Help An Immigrant Go To College

Hi! My name is Silvia Cachaco. I am 28 years old, and I was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal. Since I was a young girl, I had always dreamed of pursuing a career in medicine as a surgeon. However, when I turned 18 and due to the system in my country limiting how many students may go on to Medical School by quota, I was not selected.

At the time, I had felt depressed from not being able to realize my potential; however, my then-boyfriend never let me give up hope that one day, I too could become a surgeon. Through him, I found out that the United States had better opportunities for students and became determined to find a way to pursue a medical degree there.

I went through a work-study program in Sandusky, Ohio where I was hired for several months as a life guard. I took a bachelors degree in Languages, Literature, and Culture in North American Studies, in hopes that I could use my degree as a way to fit in with American culture and improve my English. And finally, I flew to the United States as a permanent resident, where I've lived with my now-husband, ever since, for the past 2 years.

Finally, back in October of 2015, I applied to Georgetown University to take Post-Baccularate Pre-Medical studies, where to my absolute joy, I was accepted. They were willing to accept the credits of my Institute in Portugal, start me in classes on June 6th of 2016, and I couldn't have been happier. However, I soon learned that to go to Georgetown University, I'd have to pay quite a bit more money than I have on hand.

After going through FAFSA, I realized that to cover an academic year, I'd still be 18,950 dollars in the hole, despite access to Federal Loans and Grants. I've applied to a multitude of scholarships, many of which I sadly do not qualify for due to my age, lack of citizenship, and the fact that I am a foreign graduate. I've exhausted all other means of acquiring funds I can think of and am finding myself backed into a corner.

After traveling and spending so much time preparing for this moment, I finally have found a University that would let me pursue my dreams. After 10 years of preparation, I am so close and so excited for this opportunity at long last, but am limited by my financial capabilities; and so I am asking for whatever donations can be spared that I may finally be able to go to Pre-Med. Please help me go to school!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. If you have anything you'd like to ask me, please feel free to contact me, and I would be happy to respond.