I am raising funds for my daughter, Katherine, a 25-year-old Vietnamese American student at USC. I brought Katherine to the United States after she was born because I wanted her to have better educational and career opportunities. She has worked incredibly hard, transferred to USC with honors from Santa Monica College, and has always dreamed of graduating from a top university and building a life of independence. Katherine is also a strong advocate for women’s rights, and I am so proud of the thoughtful, outspoken person she has become.
We are now facing a sudden financial crisis. Last semester, USC provided more than $30,000 in aid and gifts, which made it possible for Katherine to attend while I covered her rent and other living expenses. But after reviewing my finances and discovering my fixed annuities, USC changed its determination and now expects me to pay tuition in full, with costs of more than $33,000 per semester and only a small FAFSA contribution. I have appealed this decision, but the appeal is still pending. My income is limited, and withdrawing principal from those annuities would trigger taxes, surrender charges, and serious financial hardship.
I am asking for help so Katherine can stay at USC and continue pursuing the future she has worked so hard for. Every donation will go directly toward her tuition. If additional aid comes through or her tuition is fully covered, any remaining funds will go toward her rent and living expenses. Your support means the world to us, and every contribution, no matter the size, brings Katherine closer to staying in school and making her dream a reality. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping our family through this difficult moment.
