My name is Gina. I’m currently in college working toward becoming a pilot, but I need financial support to continue my education. I was raised by my single mom, and she’s truly the only support I’ve ever had in life. We’ve had our ups and downs, but she has always been there for me, no matter what.

It hurts me to see how much it weighs on her that she can’t fully help me pay for school. She has struggled raising us on her own. She pushes herself through burnout, carries so much on her shoulders, and sometimes cries to herself when she feels like she isn’t doing enough for me even though she has done more than anyone could ever ask for. Because of her credit score and my limited credit history, I haven’t been able to get a co-signer for a school loan from our bank. Thankfully, I received federal loans and grants, but they cover less than a third of my tuition.

I’m trying to find any options or ways to stay in school. Folks know coming from an immigrant household, y’all know how much parents dream of seeing their child get a good education and build a stable future. I’m the only daughter and the only child in my family going to college, and she is so proud of me but I can see how hard it is for her to keep pushing through everything alone.

I love my mom so much. I want to succeed not just for myself, but for her too. I want to ease her worries. I want to tell her she doesn’t have to carry everything alone anymore. I want to be able to take care of her the way she has always taken care of me.

I’m shooting my shot and asking if any of you would be willing to help. Any amount, or even resources and advice, would mean more than you know.

Thank you for reading my story.