My name is Octavia Salmon, and I’m reaching out with a heart full of hope and determination as I take my first steps toward a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.

Growing up in a single-parent household, I witnessed my mother work tirelessly at multiple jobs to support our family. Financial hardship was a daily reality, but it also became my motivation. I’ve always believed that education is the most powerful path to break the cycle of poverty, and I’ve held tightly to that belief through every challenge.

Despite limited resources, I’ve remained committed to academic excellence and service. I maintained consistent A and B grades throughout high school while actively taking on leadership roles:

* Prefect

* Vice President of the Red Cross Society

* Vice President of the Social Enterprise Club

* Vice President of the Food and Nutrition Club

* President of the Young Ladies Ministry at my church

* Member of the Hayes Police Youth Club for three years

These roles shaped me into a young woman who leads with purpose and compassion, qualities I believe are at the heart of nursing.

I am proud to share that I’ve been accepted into the University of the West Indies’ (UWI) competitive nursing program, and I was also offered a place at Howard University in Washington, D.C. While I was honoured by both offers, the financial demands of studying abroad are simply out of reach for my family. UWI offers me an excellent education closer to home, but I still face a significant financial hurdle.

My Immediate Goal: $10,000 USD for My First Year

To begin nursing school this August 2025, I must raise $10,000 USD to cover the first year of expenses:

* Tuition - $5,500 USD

* Boarding - $2,650 USD

* Books, nursing equipment, and essentials:$1,850 USD

The full four-year program totals approximately $40,000 USD, but I am committed to working hard and fundraising throughout my journey. Right now, the most urgent goal is securing the funds needed to begin my studies without delay.

Why This Matters

Becoming a nurse is more than a career goal, it is a calling. I want to be a source of care and comfort to those in need, especially in underserved communities like the one I grew up in.

Your support doesn’t just help me attend university, it helps me become the first in my family to graduate, and the first to step into a profession rooted in compassion and service.

No contribution is too small. Every donation brings me closer to opening the doors to my education, and, one day, to making a difference in the lives of patients and families who need it most.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I am profoundly grateful for your support, encouragement, and belief in my future.

With heartfelt thanks,

Octavia