Helping Paola's dreams come true.

My name is Paola Prado, I am an Undocumented Student, DACA recipient, and proud Pioneer at the Indian River State College. In my 24 years of age, I have been living in Okeechobee, Florida for 18 years. I have learned to persevere throughout my life as a first-generation immigrant college student. My dream of becoming a Special Education teacher is being put on hold due to the intersection of federal and institutional policy that has resulted in me owing a semester's worth of out-of-state tuition. I ask that you consider helping me continue my education by donating to and sharing this GoFundMe Campaign.

If you’re not aware of what DACA is, please watch.

https://youtu.be/mqzBfZ7oSZA

https://youtu.be/65GThGSvVOI

To learn more about my journey, please continue reading.

 

I was brought to the United States at the age of six and have been living in Okeechobee, Florida for 18 years; a place that I proudly call home. Despite being a first-generation undocumented college student, I enrolled at Indian River State College where I’m one class away from receiving an associate’s degree in Special Education. I long to finish my Bachelor’s in Special Education, then becoming a Behavior Analyst. Due to my status, I do not qualify for federal financial aid. All that I have accomplished has been paid by through God’s provision and angels that have partnered with God along the way.

 

My life here in the United States has been a wild ride, but one that I wouldn’t change for anything. In this life, I have learned to keep seeking and to keep knocking. I have learned that you have not because you ask not. God’s Word says that, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if He asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” I am God's girl; He always has my back! 

 I have learned to preserve when it’s easy and to seek harder when it’s hard. But most of all, I have learned to serve, love, and give with no expectations of anything in return.  I am determined to obtain my bachelor’s in Special Education and a master's in Behavior Analysis so that I partner with schools, parents and children with Autism to help them become the best version of themselves!

This is a challenge I was not expecting to face, but it will not be one to stop me from achieving my goals. Regardless of my situation, I still consider myself a proud daughter of God and I hope to be able to continue my educational journey with your support.

 

With much love and gratitude,

Paola