Help me Graduate Nursing School May 2023

My name is Kristi Ortega, I am a Hispanic single mother from Brooklyn, N.Y., and I am a fifth-year senior student pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at St. Francis College (SFC). I am a student worker in the nursing skills lab at school, assisting professors in teaching critical nursing skills to our junior and senior students. I have been on the Dean's list for four consecutive semesters, maintained a 3.6 GPA, and I am currently running for the position of Co-President of the Nursing Club at SFC.

I suffered a car accident in Puerto Rico in January, right before the start of the Spring 2022 semester. I needed emergency life-saving surgery, which was not covered by my insurance. As a result, upon returning to New York, I was placed under strict bedrest upon my very light duty at work. At the time, I was working via externship as a student nurse through a partnership between Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and St. Francis College. Unfortunately, I had to resign from that paid nursing externship due to my medical status, as I could not fulfill most of my duties. This externship was how I managed my finances and covered my tuition. Losing this income resulted in a financial burden I am struggling to climb out of. I know that once I graduate and pass my NCLEX, I will be able to achieve my goal of becoming a registered nurse and finally begin my journey toward financial freedom.

I am seeking financial assistance to cover the costs of finishing my bachelor’s degree in nursing. I am a recipient of many scholarships, some of which were opportunities provided by my college. Still, I have exhausted all other aid, including Pell and TAP, and subsidized and unsubsidized loans. I currently have a balance owed for the Fall 2022 semester that prevents me from registering for my final semester (15 credits).

I will continue to apply for grants and scholarships for my final semester, but I am asking for your help to get me through this challenging time, so I do not have to drop out. Graduating from college is important because I am a first-generation American and the first in my family to graduate. It is a significant accomplishment, and I hope it will encourage my daughter to pursue her dreams and realize that anything is possible.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and I hope it is considered. I’d be happy to provide more information if needed.