Marcela's College Tuition Fundraiser

A car accident, it disrupts everything. If you’re fortunate the damage is small, fixable, with no lasting effects. On April 23 I got into a car accident and while I’m thankful to be healthy and whole, my car wasn’t so fortunate. The money I had diligently worked for and saved for my education over two years had to be spent fixing it. One accident and my plans for a better future are derailed and in jeopardy. I wish I could rely on public transportation but like many people, I had to make the hard decision to spend my money on immediate necessities.

Personally, I never pictured myself graduating from college, especially since both of my parents have not made it further than high school. To be the first in my family to graduate high school and be able to continue in higher education as a DACA recipient… is an achievement I’m incredibly proud of. These achievements haven’t been without struggle and sacrifice. As a DACA recipient, I am ineligible for financial aid though my family does not have the resources to pay. I exhausted myself finding scholarships to cover most of the cost of my first two years of school, supplementing my remaining bills and cost of living by working 40 hours each week. The necessary car repairs have depleted my savings for my final two years of college. My family immigrated from El Salvador when I was four, hoping for a better life for me. A life where I could choose my own path and find economic security. I moved to Texas to continue my education and dream of becoming a Special Education and Spanish teacher. It’s my dream to inspire young people and give them the support and guidance I received from kind teachers when I arrived.

I’m fundraising to cover the remaining expenses related to my college education for one year. I hope having these expenses covered will buy me time to continue working and saving for my final year of school. Thank you in advance for your kindness and consideration.

-Marcela Barahona