Help Makayla attend her dream college

Hello, my name is Makayla and next fall I'll be transferring to The New School in New York City to complete my bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and minor in Race & Ethnicity. I'm extremely excited to transfer to a 4-year college after 2 years of online community college and finally pursue my education in the amazing New York City!

I’ve always had a passion for making positive change in the world, and with the climate crisis in the hands of my generation, I want to dedicate my career to fighting the destruction of our planet. Environmental and social justice are two issues that are extremely important to me, and I know that I can make a big impact in these fields. Growing up as a mixed African American and Chinese woman, I’ve always felt drawn to racial issues and wanted to study ethnic studies deeper. Now, when I attend The New School, I’ll be able to study both of my passions and really enjoy the topics I’ll be studying.

Although I've already completed 2 years in community college, the cost to complete 2 years at my college (The New School) is still a great financial burden for my mother and I. Originally, I decided to start community college and take advantage of the free 2-year program to save money, but even now I'm nowhere close to being able to afford my tuition. To describe my financial situation, I have no savings for college and I will be forced to rely solely on loans. I’m supported by my mom who is a single parent, working 2 jobs, making $50,000 a year. Her salary is just enough for the two of us to live in our low-income apartment and buy necessities. My dad and I have an estranged relationship and he has not financially supported me throughout my life. Currently, I'm trying to save as much money as I can by working but that will not help much and I'm deeply concerned that I will be in a lot of student loan debt when I graduate. I’m currently considering deferring my transfer to The New School another semester and instead continuing community college. I would love the opportunity to go now but it’s costly and would just further me in debt. Honestly, I feel so eager to transfer because I graduated high school during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not been to an in-person class or even moved out of my house yet. I took a gap year to work and begin online community college, but was never able to socialize and make friends like most college students. I feel like I’ve missed out on a big chunk of my college and young adult experience because I wasn't able to afford a 4-year college and I haven't really connected with anyone since high school. At this point, I really want to go explore somewhere new, experience the world as a young adult, make new friends, and continue learning about something I truly love.

If I was able to receive more financial help I would be so grateful and my mother and I wouldn't have to stress as much about my loan debt. All of the funds will be used to pay for my tuition, housing, food meal plan, and book fees while in college.

I set this GoFundMe to the total cost of my tuition but I greatly appreciate any donation you can contribute! Whether it's $1, $5, or $20 I am so thankful for anything. Even if you can’t donate, sharing this on social media would be so helpful. Thank you to everyone supporting my college dream! :)

Here is a breakdown of my college tuition costs:

Cost of Living & Tuition(Per semester)

Tuition $26,000

Cheapest Dorm $16,000

Meal Plan $2,750

Books $650

Fees $155

Scholarships:

Merit Scholarship $8,000

Institutional Scholarship $6,510

Pell Grant $750

Total: $30,295 per semester

$121,180 full 2 years