Single Mom & USC Master's Student Needs Help to Graduate

URGENT! I’m About to Be Kicked Out of School—Help Me Finish My Degree Before It’s Too Late!

My name is Marilynda, and I’m a single mom to my beautiful 12-month-old daughter, for whom I have complete custody and financial responsibility. I urgently need help because I may have to drop out of school and repay $60,000 in scholarships and loans that were contingent on my graduation.

Here’s my story:

I earned my Bachelor’s degree at UCLA, and I am now pursuing my Master’s in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Southern California (USC). My mission is to become a therapist and advocate for underserved communities — particularly communities of color, low-income families, single parents, teen parents, and individuals struggling with addiction.

By supporting parents facing these challenges, I will help children displaced by homelessness or foster care. My goal is to provide the therapeutic services they need to heal, grow, and thrive. I want to make a lasting impact on my community and help people build healthier, more stable lives.

However, when I went to apply for additional loans to cover the remaining balance of my tuition, I was unexpectedly denied for $7,400. By the time I realized this, the add/drop period had already passed, and I was unable to adjust my schedule or secure alternative funding.

The Urgency of My Situation:

Now, I’m in a dire situation. If I drop out, not only will I lose the opportunity to finish my degree, but I will also be required to repay $60,000 in scholarships and loans — with no degree to show for it and no clear path forward.

The situation is even more urgent because I am incurring late fees from the university. I need to resolve this quickly to avoid further complications, and I can’t do it alone.

Why I Need Help:

As a single parent with full physical custody and complete financial responsibility for my daughter, I’m doing everything I can to balance school, work, an unpaid internship, and raising her. Despite my best efforts, I’ve never had enough income to cover all of our expenses. We’ve faced many struggles, including a period of homelessness, but I am determined to create a better future for my daughter.

Her father has been completely uninvolved throughout the entire pregnancy, and even now, after paternity was proven, he and his family have remained completely absent. I am doing everything 100% alone.

Through hard work and perseverance, I’ve been fortunate to receive the following scholarships:

$12,500 - USC Merit Scholarship

$1,000 - 3rd Step Ministry Sisterhood Scholarship

$1,000 - David C. Lizarraga Fellowship

$25,000 - Public Behavioral Health Stipend

Before starting college, I reviewed my award letter and made sure I had enough funds to cover tuition, childcare, and other unexpected expenses. However, I didn’t anticipate delays in receiving childcare approval, which depleted my savings. On top of that, I was denied the Grad Plus loan that was part of my financial aid package, leaving me in this difficult position.

I have already taken out $20,500 in loans for the year because I understand that my education is an investment in my future and the future of my daughter.

Additional Challenges:

I am also a commuting student. I live far from campus, so my daily commute adds an extra 11 hours of driving each week. Between transportation costs, gas, and the strain of managing everything on my own, the added stress has made this semester particularly difficult.

Despite these challenges, I’ve maintained a straight-A record, earning 98% or higher on every assignment and exam. I am fully committed to finishing my degree and fulfilling my scholarship requirements, but I need your help to stay on track.

How You Can Help:

I’m asking for your support to cover my mandatory tuition fees for this fall semester. Your donation will go directly toward covering the tuition I owe and help me avoid the financial burden of repaying loans and scholarships without earning my degree.

Any amount you can contribute will make a huge difference in helping me stay enrolled and complete my education. Your generosity will allow me to continue my studies, fulfill my commitment to work in public behavioral health, and ultimately create a better future for my daughter.

Please consider donating or sharing my campaign with others who might be able to help. Every little bit counts, and I am deeply grateful for your support during this challenging time.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support means the world to me and my daughter.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Marilynda Bustamante