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Help Kiiza Graduate from WSU

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STRIVING FOR SUCCESS
  
“Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't.” - Rikki Rogers. My goal is to overcome, so I can help others succeed.  
  
Dear friends, family and WSU Cougs,  
  
My name is Kiiza Gbadebo-Smith (my friends also call me Marcus), and I’m proud to be a junior at Washington State University - Pullman Campus.   
  
I am two semesters away from earning my double bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Management Information Systems - MIS), and Economics Sciences (Financial Markets specialization).    


ASKING FOR HELP IS THE HARDEST PART

  
The past several years have been a financially storm for my family. Since joining WSU, I've worked every summer, winter and spring break (except for one) to reduce the financial burden on my father, who is a single parent. During the semester, I've worked the maximum number of hours allowed per week given my positions on campus and student status. During this period I have earned a 3.95 GPA in my MIS major, and a 3.66 cumulative GPA, while also serving in three student leadership roles.

I am reaching out for support now because my father recently lost his job and has been struggling to find work. As a single parent, he cannot assist me financially this semester while also supporting my other siblings.
  
This year I have been fortunate to receive $3,333.34 in scholarships, and I have saved up $3,000 from working on-campus. However, I still need to raise $7,615 by Monday, July 1st, 2019 in order to enroll in classes for next semester (Fall 2019).  
  
Realizing that I couldn’t raise this amount on my own, and asking for your help was truly tough for me. Growing up, I’ve always been told not to complain. This made it hard for me to be open about my financial challenges. But becoming a WSU Coug has taught me that when we rely on each other we gain the opportunity of winning together.  

**How I have kept busy during my time at WSU**


PAYING IT FORWARD 
  
As I've grown through my WSU experience, connecting and serving students has become a passion of mine. This passion led me to become a Resident Adviser (RA). Where I’ve had the opportunity to engage with over 300 students from diverse backgrounds, and build-up communities in residence halls across campus for more than 3 years.

Next semester (Fall 2019), I will be stepping into the Assistant Hall Director role, where I will have the opportunity to continue working with a wide range of students and RA’s in a more supervisory role. My mission as an Assistant Hall Director is to give my team of RA’s a proven set of skills that will empower them to leave a lasting positive impact on their student communities.

Your support will give me the opportunity to continue serving WSU students and RA’s in my new role as Assistant Hall Director. With your help, I get the chance to earn my degree while also helping other students succeed in college.

COST BREAKDOWN

Tuition = $12,112 (after scholarships) -  $3,000 (My savings) = $9,112 (What I need)

**Your support and generosity means a lot to me**


THE DREAM 
 
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only  16% of low-income college students graduate. My dream is to walk across the graduation stage at Beasley Coliseum in May 2020, knowing that I helped hundreds of WSU students expand their potential as an RA, tutor, and teaching assistant.
 
I am deeply grateful for your investment in me, and I appreciate any amount of money you are able to give. Even if you can not donate, please share this page with 5 or more fellow WSU Cougs, friends, family, or just generally kind and generous people in your contact list. Thank you for taking the time to read and share. 
 
GO COUGS!!
 
Sincerely, 

Kiiza Gbadebo Smith (Marcus) 


SOME OF MY GREATEST WSU EXPERIENCES 

**WSU Harold Frank Engineering Entrepreneurship Institute: Silicon Valley Trip (2018)**



**ENTRP 486 New Venture Planning Course: Business Idea Pitch (2018)**



**Future Cougars of Distinction - Carson College of Business Event: Student Breakout Session (2019)**



**Alpha Kappa Psi - Professional Business Fraternity: End of Semester Award Ceremony (2016)**



**WSU Housing and Residence Life Department: End of Semester Banquet (2018)**



**Resonate Church Group - Winter Adventure Trip (2015)**

Donations 

  • Nimay Bolar
    • $100
    • 5 yrs

Organizer

Kiiza Smith
Organizer
Pullman, WA

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