dream is lost and broken

My name is Aarya, and I’m a 20-year-old international student from Nepal, currently studying Information Systems with a major in Networking at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). It’s a three-year program, and I’ve worked so hard to get halfway through—three semesters successfully completed. But now, I find myself on the verge of losing everything I’ve worked for.

My family in Nepal, humble farmers who’ve always supported me despite their modest means, have been devastated by an unimaginable tragedy. Just a few months ago, a catastrophic flood swept through our home country, leaving destruction in its wake. My family lost everything—their crops, their livestock, their land, and the home they worked so hard to build. Their only source of income is gone.

They’re struggling to survive amidst the wreckage, barely managing to put food on the table, let alone rebuild their lives. Some are injured and hospitalized, and I’m thousands of miles away, unable to be there for them. Despite their pain and hardship, they’ve offered to send me what little they have left, but it’s nowhere near enough to cover my overdue semester fees.

As an international student, I’m not eligible for financial aid or loans in Australia. I’ve tried reaching out to my university, local organizations, and even considered taking a break from my studies, but the rules for international students don’t allow it. If I can’t pay my fees soon, my student visa will be canceled, and I’ll be forced to leave Australia.

The thought of returning to Nepal empty-handed, after my family sacrificed so much to give me this opportunity, is unbearable. We’ve already invested everything into my education—our hope, our dreams, our future. My degree isn’t just for me; it’s a way to lift my family out of poverty, to rebuild what was lost, and to give them a chance at a better life.

At just 20 years old, I feel like the weight of the world is on my shoulders. Every day, I wake up feeling more hopeless than the last. I’ve exhausted every option, and now I’m turning to you—kind strangers—for help.

I need to raise 12k to cover my overdue semester fees and continue my education. This isn’t just about paying for school; it’s about saving my future and supporting my family in their darkest hour.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness and compassion mean the world to me.

With gratitude, Aarya