Let’s help Luisa to go to college

Please make yourself comfortable,

My name is Luisa Suarez and I am from Colombia. On December 27th of 2020, when I was fifteen I left my parents and moved to Austin, Texas with my Aunt. In January 2021, I started going to Jarrell High School, and in less than a year I learned English and started to participate in Extracurriculars. In Jarrell, I got the opportunity to start Dual credit at ACC, honors, and AP classes (Spanish, Biology, Calculus, and Environmental). In 2021, I helped my AP biology teacher to create Key Club, which is a student-led organization that helps with community service and I became president for the 2022-2023 school year. In addition, I have been part of other organizations such as FCCLA (where I won 1st place in Career investigation in 2022 and 2nd place in Leadership in 2023 for region), Spanish Club (where I am currently the vice-president), Theater, ESL (not only being part of the program but helping to advise other students), National Honor Society, Volunteering (In Jarrell Community, Kiwanis Club, etc), part of the pre-bond committee and playing soccer in JHS. During these last years, I was able to make it to the top ten percent of my class and offer new opportunities to my community by helping create a new club for example.

At the beginning of my senior year, I applied to the following schools, UT Austin, North Texas, Texas State, Texas State, UT San Antonio, UT Dallas, Austin Community College, Temple College, Texas A&M, and the University of Houston where I got accepted to all. Even when I got accepted since I have a political asylum in process I am not eligible to be counted as a resident, apply for FAFSA (since I don't have my residency yet) or TASFA (Because of the following). As I seek solutions I found the Senate Bill 1528 that states 3 requirements for students so they can have financial aid from the state; 1. Graduate from a Texas high school, 2. Live in Texas for at least one year, and 3. Lived in Texas for 3 years PRIOR graduation. Since I have been living here for the past 2 years and 4 months I am not able to receive or be counted as an in-state student under the Senate bill 1528 either. This means I am not able to be charged In-state tuition, access to loans or even some scholarships. In addition, I am counted as an international student, because my political asylum is not granted yet (it can take 2-10 years or more). Currently, my tuition is double what I would be charged if I had my residency already. The waiting list to get my residency is long because of covid-19.

Professionally, I want to become a representative of Immigrants and Latino women in the Public Relations field. I plan to expand my knowledge of how a successful business works, economy, and their influence on society at the University of Texas at Austin. As it is the best national Public Relations program, thanks to its creative labs, professors, and internships. In addition I plan to expand my knowledge with the opportunity to do a minor in risk management at UT. Professionally, I don't want to be another money machine, helping others is my first purpose. As I graduate from my Public Relations career and specialize in financial advising I will create opportunities for others. In a few years, when I start to generate money, whether I create my first business or work for a company, I will find the necessary funds to create my own scholarship fund for other immigrants who also know the importance of higher education but have limited opportunities due to their immigration status. As a professional leader, I will work for my future and the future of other potential students.

I really want to go to college and especially to UT, that’s my goal, however, paying for college by myself is difficult since my aunt is a single mother and needs to financially help my cousin who is also in college. On the other hand, my parents in Colombia can just help me with around 100 dollars a month, since the Colombian currency is devalued (with a minimum wage per month of around 280 dollars a month). My tuition at UT in order to be a full-time student would be around $11,230 per year, by the other side my tuition for ACC would be around 10,590 dollars per year, that is why I have a 12,000 dollars goal, so I can at least study my first semester and while I study, work to save for the next one. I currently work but either way my income can not supply all my expenses +college tuition, etc. When I immigrated I did not expect to not have my residency, have to pay for more expensive tuition, and not be able to access scholarships or even loans. I would really appreciate if you take into account all my achievements, story, and role in my community to make a decision for any opportunity!,

PS. I also offer services of Spanish Classes, tutoring for kids from (3 years up to 16), babysitting or I can learn quickly any other job (you would not regret it)! Don't doubt in contact me for references or any information if you want to support me,

Thank you for reading my story, if you have any questions contact me,

Luisa Suarez-[email redacted]