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Hi! My name is Shanika. I am a nonbinary, queer Filipino community organizer. I am a nontraditional undergrad at UCSD. As a Media student under the Visual Arts department, I plan to use my education to uplift the true conditions of the people, their suffering and their dreams. As an activist with Anakbayan San Diego, I will tell the revolutionary stories of the Filipino people and extend solidarity to other oppresed communities and their stories. I will center the workers and peasant farmers, the poorest and most exploited of the world not only after I graduate but while I study. I will use my skills and privileges to serve my communities as I learn.
Due to trauma from continued abuse from multiple people and circles, I suffer from major depression disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Although I am a naturally studious and meticulous student, my difficulties with mental illness has caused me to begin higher education, drop out, try to continue, and drop out again in a vicious cycle. It is the same pattern with having a job. Because of this, I have had unstable housing for most of this year and have been unable to make my credit card debt payments. The vast majority of my debt was accumulated when I was supporting my friend who was a recent victim of domestic violence.
My struggles with mental illness have escalated this year. For 2 months, I was having several seizures a day with potentially psychotic breaks. At one point, I wasn't able to concentrate for more than 5 minutes. I became homeless, bouncing from one friends house to another. I have had strep throat 3 times this year and had to go to the emergency room because of severe chest pains. At several points in the year, I was taking around 10 pills a day just to keep my health at bay. I withdrew from UCSD during Spring quarter so I could focus on and better my conditions.
But due to the support of my community, I was able to sleep in a consistent bed, be consistent with my necessary medications, and begin going to therapy. I am no longer having seizures and consistent breakdowns. It's been a few weeks since I've had, what I perceive as, a psychotic break. I feel ready to go back to school and work towards finally getting my degree.
But since I withdrew and did not finish Spring quarter, I owe UCSD money. I cannot go back to school Fall quarter unless I pay my $987.96 due balance. I have until October 18 until this debt is sent to collections. Additionally, I was unable to make my credit card payments. My bank is now in deliquent status until I can pay them $304. The only money I have is in food stamps, and I also need help with my living expenses and medical bills.
Even through these challenges, the one thing I did not stop was organizing. I found comfort and purpose in serving my community with Anakbayan San Diego, other national democratic organizations like Migrante San Diego, and solidarity allies. Please help me continue to give back. Thank you so much!
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