My name is Kaylee Cole, and my journey to higher education is one built on resilience, sacrifice, and determination. I was raised by a single mother who made it her mission to ensure I had every opportunity to succeed. No matter the challenges she faced, she always emphasized one thing above all else education. She pushed me to not only do well, but to stand out academically, to strive for excellence, and to believe that my future could be bigger than my circumstances. Because of her dedication and my hard work, I’ve been fortunate enough to receive acceptances from multiple colleges, all recognizing my academic achievements. Each opportunity felt like a step closer to everything my mom and I have worked for. After careful consideration, I’ve chosen to attend Loyola University Maryland, where I will be pursuing a major in biochemistry. Alongside that, I plan to double minor in biology and physics, and also major in a foreign language; an important skill that will help me expand my impact in my future career. I’ve been incredibly blessed to receive substantial financial aid for my four years at Loyola. However, there are still upfront and ongoing costs that I cannot cover on my own. I am currently responsible for a $750 admission deposit to secure my place, as well as the cost of textbooks, which can range from $500 to $1,000 per semester as a full-time student. As much as I wish I could do this alone, I know that sometimes it takes a community to help someone reach their dreams. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go directly toward helping me begin and continue my education at Loyola. Your support would not only ease a financial burden, but also allow me to focus fully on my studies and continue striving toward a future that my mother worked so hard to help me build. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for your support, and for believing in my journey. #GoHounds