Leslie, 30 years old

Wish submitted by:

Leslie is a first-generation native of LA, aspiring to be the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree in Communication in Culture and Public Affairs, along with a Mediation Certificate. Her goal is to work in human resources or a non-profit to resolve internal conflicts and support her community. Throughout her academic journey, Leslie has worked various jobs—student worker, retail employee, Uber Eats driver, night manager, and caregiver—to fund her education and household expenses. Overcoming homelessness in her early 20s, she utilized resources like transitional housing and scholarships to find independence and stay in school. Leslie looks forward to graduating in Fall 2025 and hopes to contribute to the workforce in the nonprofit sector.

Leslie is a determined individual with an unwavering commitment to her success and the success of those around her. With a go-getter attitude, she approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and purpose. As an older re-entry student and former foster youth, Leslie has faced numerous life challenges, including finding stable housing and transportation, which delayed her educational journey. Now, she is on the brink of achieving her Communication degree and Mediation certificate but needs financial assistance to cover her summer tuition of $1,400. Although she has received some financial aid during the academic year, summer classes are not covered, making it difficult for her to afford the crucial course needed to graduate by the end of the year. Despite working part-time and managing household expenses, Leslie finds herself unable to meet the tuition requirement. She is determined to complete her degree by Fall 2025 and hopes to start a full-time job in the nonprofit sector, where she can give back to her community. Support in the form of funding her summer tuition would alleviate her financial stress, allowing her to focus entirely on her studies and graduate on time. This assistance would not only bring her closer to her goals but also empower her to uplift those around her, continuing her journey of positive impact in the community.