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Fueling Dreams: Support Rayal's Journey to Howard

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Join me in making dreams come true! I'm Christiana John, proud aunty of Rayal Grant. This GoFundMe is to finance his journey to Howard University. All funds raised would go towards paying for Rayal's tuition expenses. Hear his story directly from him and help finance his path to success. Your support makes all the difference! Together, let's empower Rayal's future at Howard University!

I'm Rayal Grant, a passionate student with a burning desire to attend Howard University. But I need your help to get there! Your generous support can turn my dreams into reality, so join me on this incredible journey. Every little bit counts, and together, we can make a huge impact! ✨


MY JOURNEY THUS FAR

I hail from the beautiful shores of Trinidad and Tobago, a small yet incredibly culturally rich country in the Caribbean. My home is in the charming town of Arima, where life may be modest, but our hearts are big. Growing up wasn't easy. At the tender age of 8, I lost my beloved mother, and my father was never really part of my life. But I didn't let those circumstances define me. Instead, they ignited a fire within me to strive for a better future. Now, at 19 years old, I've just graduated from sixth form in June 2023. Throughout my high school years, my love for mathematics bloomed like a wildflower. I used to say, "High school was my mathematics renaissance" because I found my true passion. In sixth form, I delved into pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and computer science. Despite the hardships, I've always remained dedicated to my academic pursuits. It brings me immense joy to share that I clinched the first position in both pure mathematics and applied mathematics at my sixth form. To top it off, I was incredibly honored to graduate as the valedictorian of the Class of 2023.

My greatest champions and supporters, my elder sister and uncle ❤️



MY JOURNEY TO HOWARD

I got accepted into Howard University to study mathematics starting Fall 2023, and to my amazement, I received a merit scholarship from the university! But here's the thing: the tuition fees amount to a whopping $55,000 per year, and my scholarship covers $17,000 per year. So, I need to bridge the gap of $38,000. Honestly, it hasn't been an easy road for my family and community to raise this amount. As a result, I had to defer my acceptance to Fall 2024. But you know what? I'm grateful beyond words for the unwavering support my family and friends have shown me throughout this journey. That's why I'm turning to GoFundMe and reaching out to amazing people like you. I'm dreaming big, thinking beyond my community, and setting my sights on the world. With the help of compassionate individuals like yourself, I truly believe I can make my dream of attending Howard University a reality. Every little contribution counts and your generosity will mean the world to me. Let's join hands and make this journey together! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this adventure with me. ✨

My Howard Acceptance and Financial Letters





BEYOND HOWARD UNIVERSITY

You know what always lit up my soul? Helping my nephews and nieces with their homework – it just felt right! And that love for teaching only grew stronger when I became the president of my school's Honor Society. I had this brilliant idea to kickstart a Homework Club, where all students could get the support they needed. I even got the chance to be a math tutor in the program!




But that's not all. I was lucky enough to volunteer at Kids In Need of Direction (KIND) NGO as a tutor. This was a life-changing experience. I got to work with children from low-income households, and together, we navigated the challenges of education during the COVID-19 pandemic. It truly opened my eyes to the power and significance of education.

Now, all these beautiful experiences have led me to a dream: becoming a university professor. I want to continue spreading the same love I have for mathematics to others.

Me (white mask) volunteering at the Kids in Need of Direction NGO




OUTSIDE OF MY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Beyond the world of academics, there's something that has been my rock for the past 11 years: ballroom and Latin dancing. It all began in 2012 when I lost my dear mother. Those were tough times, and dancing started as a way to escape the pain and uncertainty that surrounded me.

Little did I know that this hobby would turn into something so much more. It became a form of therapy, a way for me to cope and heal. I may sound a bit cliché, but believe me when I say that dancing became my outlet to express my deepest emotions.

And the beauty of it all is that this passion still burns within me. Even at Howard University, I'm determined to continue dancing, because it's not just a hobby – it's a part of who I am.




THANK YOU ❤️
I am beyond grateful for the overwhelming love and encouragement you have shown me throughout this GoFundMe campaign. Your belief in my dreams has touched me deeply, and I am humbled by your generosity. With your support, I am now one step closer to making my dream of attending Howard University a reality. Your contributions will not only help cover my tuition but also open doors to a future filled with endless possibilities.

Each and every donation, big or small, represents a profound investment in my education and a belief in my potential. Your selflessness has reaffirmed my faith in the power of community, and I promise to pay it forward by dedicating myself to my studies and giving back to others in need.

As I set out on this exciting journey, I carry your love and support in my heart. Your kindness has reminded me that together, we can achieve great things.
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Donations 

  • Debra Fleming
    • $20
    • 1 yr
  • naomi sealy
    • $220
    • 1 yr
  • naomi sealy
    • $500
    • 1 yr
  • Joanne Pierre
    • $25
    • 1 yr
  • naomi sealy
    • $300
    • 1 yr
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Fundraising team (2)

Christiana John
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
Rayal Grant
Team member

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