Aleena’s Hope for Urgent Tuition Fees

Hello everyone! My name is Aleena, and I am an undergraduate student currently majoring in Accounting at one of Private University in Malaysia. I am writing today to share my stories and ask for your support and help in finishing my study at university.

There is always a first time, for everything. The first time I live as international student, first time in reading books, and I will never forget the moment I learned that I got accepted into Private University in Malaysia. All these “firsts” are moments that will never be forgotten, moments that shaped me into the person I am today. Well, the same idea also applies to the first night I was struggling day and night to pay my tuition fees.

This 6 months, my father suddenly lost his job.The intense feelings of fear and uncertainty still haunt my mind. I could not accept the reality that I should work day and night while continuing my life as a student to pay for my tuition fees, or else, I will discontinue my study and go back to my country.

Not only did my father lost his job, but this past 1 year, my brother is suffering from mental illness. For six months, my father was unemployed, so I took it upon myself to get a part-time job to support my living cost while sparing for medical treatment for my brother. I would say that this lifestyle made me very independent at an early age. It became my responsibility to step into a rotating cast of characters: part-time worker, and full-time student. These experiences have served me well in life today and made me who I am today.

Not wanting to stop me from continuing my study, my mother worked day and night and overloaded herself with motivation to afford my tuition, because as a International student I could not apply for a loan. Not to let his effort be wasted, I urged myself to continue my study in Accounting with stronger confidence about my path. Unfortunately, my parents was unable to support me anymore from the end of October 2018 and I had to figure out ways on my own to afford my living and tuition for the remaining 3 semesters.

Waking up at 5:00 am to be at school by 8:00 am and not getting home until 10-12pm at night was very strenuous and tiring. I worked at least 6 days a week. Some days, I would go to school, then go to badminton practice, and go to work after. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. This past year was the most challenging academic year of my life juggling to pass 5 core classes, extracurricular activities, responsibilities and part-time jobs. But instead of running from the challenge, I embraced and do it wholeheartedly.

Currently,I am left with three full-time semesters and a internship for final semester. To maintain my student visa status and reduce my tuition, I have to enroll full-time this upcoming April semester. However, most of the scholarship opportunities for financial support have not been so successful until now and really make me feel stuck with no other way out. I am continuing to meet with people who could help and I am also applying for scholarships to find more support, but I really need your help to be able to ensure my enrollment at least for this upcoming April semester.
($6500 of $10000 for the summer before 3/20 (tuition payment deadline) or 4/10 (deadline) at the latest)

I was very hesitant at first to start this fundraising campaign, worrying that this might be a burden to others. But with deep gratitude, I ask for your support and prayers and sincerely hope for the days that I would be able to share more of what I have to support others going through the times of trouble. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, and for considering investing in my future. I appreciate it more than I can say :)