Dreams of a better future
To the friends, family, and all supporters who read this. . .Thank you!
My name is Diana Gonzalez, and I've created this campaign on behalf of my big brother, Brayan, who is the best and brightest brother I could ever imagine. My brother recently graduated from COCC with his Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. He has been accepted to the Honors Program at Portland State University and will complete his Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Communications starting in September. I've created this page because my brother needs help to reach his goal of graduating from a four-year college.
Brayan is the first person in our family to go to college. He graduated at the top of his COCC class in June and gave the commencement speech at his graduation. It was amazing. However, despite his achievements and hard work to secure scholarships, totaling $10,000, our family is realizing the cost of attending Portland State University this year remains out of reach. 
Something else I can tell you about my brother Brayan: he’s a Dreamer. Brayan has Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, which allows him to attend school and work, but he isn’t eligible to apply for any need-based financial aid through FAFSA or qualify for student loans without a US Citizen Co-signor. We don’t have any family members who can co-sign on a student loan. Everything has to be funded either through scholarships, or his own money.
Maybe you’ve heard of Oregon’s Tuition Equity law. Brayan would have been a perfect candidate for this program, which allows students like my brother to pay in-state tuition regardless of their immigration status, but to be eligible; the student has to have been enrolled in a public University within 3 years of graduating High School. My brother graduated in 2009, but he wasn’t able to enroll in school after graduation like he had planned. The Great Recession was in full effect, and our parents lost their jobs. My brother stepped up, got a job, and took care of the family for the next three years. For a period he was the sole provider until both our parents found stable jobs again. Brayan sacrificed not only his window to receive tuition equity for the betterment of our family, but also his savings. 
Now I want to help Brayan to reach for his dreams and complete his goals: finish his Bachelor’s degree and someday work as an Investigator for the FBI. We have a plan, but we need your help. Brayan has been offered a paid internship at a Portland law firm as a Legal Assistant. He will still need to pay for things like food, transportation, personal effects, etc. from this income, but he’s committed to putting at least $250 a month toward his tuition. Our family will also commit to providing $100 per month to help Brayan. I know that this doesn’t sound like a lot, but we are a family of very humble means.
This is what our plan looks like:
PSU Tuition, fees, books, and room : $19,000
Scholarships Received - $10,000
Brayan’s internship at the law firm - $2,000
Family Support: - $2,000
REMAINING: - $5,000
If 100 people would help me raise $100 each, the goal will be accomplished and my brother’s dream will be realized. Help us reach that goal!
I should also mention, next year Brayan will be eligible for a scholarship for first generation students at PSU who have completed at least one year of study – this scholarship is approximately $6,000. If we can help Brayan get the funding for the 2015-2016 school year, he’ll be home free toward graduation with his BA in Criminology and Communications!
I hope that you see that you aren’t just donating to Brayan’s education - you are investing in his future. I know he is my brother, but he is the first in our family to attend college, and he has a bright future ahead of him. Please help me making that future a reality for him.
Every little bit helps - $20 or $200 will help us get closer to making his dream possible! Brayan moves into PSU on September with classes beginning on the 21st. We have until October 6th to pay for his first semester which is when tuition is due at PSU– we will be eternally grateful to everyone who helps us meet our funding goal by October!
Thank you all,
Diana Gonzalez
http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/hb-2787-tuition-equity (if you want to learn more about Tuition Equity)