This fall, I’m starting my journey to get a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a minor in chemistry. My goal is to graduate in the spring of 2028, which will require me to take classes full-time until then (including next summer). This is a lot for me to take on as a single mother, so I thought I’d take the chance and see if anyone would like to help. I really, really don’t like asking for help, but due to my financial situation, I could use some right now. So I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

Why am I going to college while experiencing financial hardship?

I should’ve finished my Bachelor’s degree a long time ago, but ended up falling off track due to a quarter-life crisis, depression, and an abusive relationship that resulted in me becoming a single mother with little support system. I try not to complain since I made choices that led to my circumstances. But I do not want to let those circumstances deter me from achieving my goals.

I expected to work full-time over the summer, but instead I constantly had my hours cut and I wasn’t able to find alternative employment. This left me starting off this semester in a tougher financial spot than I planned. If you know me, you know I care a lot about my work performance (even when I worked at Dollar General for $8/hr). But I don’t want to keep barely scraping by while putting in maximum effort. I want to utilize my labor to have even a small positive impact on my community, while also providing a stable life for my daughter and I. And I don’t want to delay this future any longer.

I have a lot of interests, but right now I’m leaning towards a career as an environmental chemist or something similar. I’m also very passionate about politics and how it intersects with environmental issues. If I’m able to further my education beyond a Bachelor’s someday, I’d be interested in something related to policy analysis or environmental planning.

How will your contribution help?

Gas/Car Maintenance: This semester, I commute two days a week to class, which is 50 miles round trip. Plus another round trip of 14 miles to my Tuesday class. With current gas prices and my car’s gas mileage, that’ll amount to around $100/month. Not to mention my car is nearing 150,000 miles, so I will probably experience accelerated wear and tear issues.

Household products

Personal care items

Extracurriculars and other activities to enrich Deveah’s life: Deveah hasn’t been to gymnastics in over a month because I can’t afford it ($150/month tuition + gas, leotards, and takeout dinner); holiday events we enjoy going to such as fall festivals, Norway House’s Gingerbread Wonderland, Winter Lights at the arboretum, etc.; museum visits; Deveah’s also interested in trying basketball and maybe swimming or piano lessons

(I’ve always tried to make sure my daughter has these opportunities, even if it causes financial strain, because she deserves to have fun life experiences)

A new phone (or probably just a new battery and camera): I’ve had an iPhone 11 for over 6 years. I’ve refused to upgrade because of my values, but my battery is significantly degraded and showing signs of swelling (so I’m kinda afraid it’s gonna explode in my face).

I really appreciate any support.