Fundraising ideas?
Hi everyone,
I honestly never thought I would make a post like this, but my situation has become urgent and I’m running out of options.
I graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology, but the university is refusing to release my degree or even my official transcript because of an outstanding balance. I’ve contacted multiple offices, submitted hardship requests, asked about payment plans, and tried every option they suggested, but I keep being told that the balance must be paid in full first. I was also warned that my account could be sent to collections.
The problem is that I’m currently in the last months of my OPT, and without my degree/transcript I can’t properly apply for better jobs or PhD programs. It feels like I’m trapped in a cycle where I need the degree to improve my financial situation, but I can’t get the degree because I’m struggling financially.
My income right now barely covers rent, food, transportation, and previous tuition-related debt. On top of that, my family is in Iran and because of the current situation there, they can’t financially support me.
I recently started a GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/9db936b49) because I genuinely don’t know what else to do at this point.
I wanted to ask:
- If you were in my situation, what would you do to raise help/support quickly?
- Are there communities, charities, emergency student funds, or platforms you think I should reach out to?
Even advice would really mean a lot right now. Thank you for reading.