Help Keep Manuel Coronado's College Dream Alive

My incredible cousin Manuel will soon have to face the decision of choosing a university (he’s leaning towards Suffolk) and paying the acceptance deposit of $500. Having moved to the US from Panama in 2018, Manuel’s ambition has stemmed from his wish of being the first in his family to go to college. He lives alone with his grandmother and is the sole earner in the household, working a part-time job at a nursing home while balancing school and life responsibilities. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has made it all the more difficult for him to properly save up and prepare for the costs of university with already so much to do on his plate.

Manuel works incredibly hard. At his job he is adored by the elderly residents. In school, he is an active member of his debate team and the National Honor Society. He always pushes himself to do his very best and exceeds academically while taking challenging advanced placement courses. As my cousin, he is also my best friend and a source of great inspiration in my life. You can read more about Manuel in the Boston Globe, in an article titled “Working at a nursing home in a time of unprecedented peril.”

As the deadline of May 1st draws near, Manuel will need to make his deposit. This, along with the future bills and costs of textbooks/materials, will be a challenge. He is determined, and while I have no doubt that he will work the hardest he can to do it, any help in making this happen would go a long way, and would be truly appreciated.