Support Dominique's Education in Italy

Hello! I’m Dominique, a college student at Portland Community College, determined to build a brighter future for myself through the pursuit of an education. After nearly a decade away from school, marked by housing insecurity, multiple unstable jobs I took for survival reasons, and personal setbacks, I returned to school in my late twenties, ready to work hard, receive an education, and reclaim my dreams. I made the courageous decision to return to school despite my belief that it would take time away from working and set me back even more financially, because despite that, I am determined to rebuild my life and obtain an education that can launch me into a meaningful career. I have fallen in love with school and learning, and have surprised myself with making a 4.0 the last two quarters. I am incredibly proud of my decision to return to school, and it's given me a lot of confidence in my abilities and provided me with opportunities I have dreamed of.

That being said, I have been accepted into the program to study ancient history in Italy this summer. I couldn't be more thrilled because visiting Italy has been my biggest dream for years, but, financially, I haven't yet been able to actualize my dream.

This program will immerse me in Italy’s rich cultural history and vibrant art scene, and align directly with my academic focus on architecture with a minor in Italian language as I transition to a four-year university from Portland Community College.

I have been teaching myself basic Italian in my free time for three years now, preparing to one day spend time studying in Italy. I hope that this summer is finally the summer I can put my skills to the test and expand my worldview.

I feel so lucky to have this opportunity. I have received a partial scholarship from my college and have been working with advisors to find a way to be able to afford this opportunity, though I am still struggling in Portland after moving from Louisiana in 2023.

Though I am living paycheck to paycheck and relying on student loans to cover over half of my expenses every month, I hope that with a little help, this doesn't have to set me back from my dream of education abroad.