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Help Isabel Retain F1 Visa in order to Graduate

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The Details/Examples of Work/Note from Isabel

The Details 

Isabel is currently pursuing an interior architecture degree at her Florida university following the completion of her industrial design BFA at  SCAD. 

• Due to COVID We urgently need your help to cover Isabel’s education costs to complete her final two semesters of architecture school for Spring and Summer 2021 at her university in Florida keeping her visa active with the goal of graduating in August.
• We’re seeking a minimum of $5,720 by January and a total of $11,440 ($5,720 per semester not* including living expenses). All current forms of funding to remain enrolled has fallen through.
• If we can secure funding by January for Spring Semester, it would prevent a premature return to Venezuela causing devastating losses and unfathomable setbacks in her career, health, livelihood and anguish while also posing a threat to her life in one of the worlds most unsafe/turbulent countries.
• This is extremely time sensitive given her F 1 status which only allows her to remain in the US as long as she is an enrolled full time student working towards a degree. Unfortunately, employment is not possible while on an F 1.

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Her home of country of Venezuela remains broken facing excessive hardships affecting the ability to acquire basic life necessities due in part to an extremely corrupt political system which has been exasperated by the amplified economic impact from COVID. Isabel has overcome immense adversity moving to The States 6 years ago tp painstakingly work towards her childhood dream. As an extremely gifted and talented woman, she is on the path to becoming a distinguished designer proven through her previous industrial design degree. It is my wish to witness Isabel complete her degree for a chance to live a life and career I know she is capable of and deserves after the persistent dedication I've seen her exemplify the last 6 years.

If you have any questions or suggestions please reach out directly [email redacted] . com

Examples of work





A Note From Isabel


Ever since I left Venezuela, I have the belief that every action I take does not only represent who I am but the culture I belong to as well. Being born and raised in a developing country in South America, I am not ignorant of the horrifying circumstances that an economic and political crisis has caused on my nation and its population. Seven years ago, at the tender age of 16, I learned that my years of hard work and sacrifices that I and my family had made for my future had paid off. As I received the news that I would be able to attend the College of my dreams under a merit-based Scholarship, I understood that God was rewarding me with the opportunity of a lifetime and that I was and I still am a blessed woman. Before this day, the thought of being able to redirect my life to the United States was not more than a mere fantasy for me. It was then when I realized that I had to make the most crucial decision of my life at such a young age. A few months later, I packed my life in two bags and embarked on a massive journey. At this time, I said goodbye to both of my parents, not knowing when I would be able to see them again, but with a clear intention of starting a new life in a country of progress and opportunity. The path I chose to take has not always been the easiest, yet it has been worth all the sweat and tears that life as an immigrant has thrown my way. Receiving this scholarship would bring me immense relief, as this money would allow me the chance I need to stay in the The States in lawful status while I finish up my last two semesters. If I am chosen, I will have the opportunity to accomplish my biggest goals and aspirations as I pursue a secondary degree in Architectural Design and Construction Technology.

Prior to enrolling at my current university, I graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art & Design in 2018 with a B.F.A. in Industrial Design and a minor in Themed Entertainment Design. Upon graduation, I worked at an Interior Design firm as my area of interest and expertise lies within the design of physical environments and places of recreation. At my place of employment, I primarily worked on creating CAD models, draftings, construction documents, and assisting in the design process which inspired me to continue my education and learn more about architecture, construction procedures, and sustainability in design. As previously mentioned, I am a huge believer in education, one big dream of mine is to eventually obtain a Master’s degree. I have always been inclined towards Architecture and Interior Design, so pursuing a graduate program that combines both is high in my list of priorities. I would like to continue to work on creating experiences and spaces that bring people joy, such as Retail, Exhibitions, Venues, and Residential spaces. People spend 98% of their time indoors, which is why I feel so inspired to bring innovation and wellness to our surroundings. In the future, I see myself working for major design firms and being able to explore life in multiple cities, taking in different cultures, and learning from seasoned designers. Even though in the past couple of decades the number of women in Architecture and other related fields has continuously increased, the number of women in these positions is disproportionately small. Currently, I am one of the 8 women in my graduating class. My biggest aspiration in life is to be able to implement my experiences into the creation of my own women-owned business, as I see myself dedicating my life to make our daily experiences more beautiful and fulfilling. 

The year 2020 has been a year of unprecedented events for many of us, with the sudden arrival of COVID-19 and the effects that this pandemic has had on the global economy it is safe to say that every person has been affected to some degree. In my case, as an International student who immigrated by herself to this country in the search of a better future, I have run through some unforeseeable monetary problems. After a year of working at my dream job, I was faced with immigration troubles as I was not able to obtain a work visa. At that moment, I decided to use up most of my savings while also relying on help from my support system to further up my education. This decision has allowed me to continue to grow my craft for the past year and a half, while also working towards obtaining an official work permit from the gov’t. During this time, I have been lucky to count on the support from my family, who have been cheering on me from afar throughout my entire journey. Ever since the pandemic hit both of my parents have lost their jobs, and an even more catastrophic event occurred last month when my mom suffered from an accident that left her with a leg full of broken bones, a wheelchair, and tons of medical bills. I still have a couple of semesters left before I am able to graduate. As an F 1 status student, I am required to pay the “out of state” tuition costs while being enrolled full-time at the institution. During these difficult times, being knowing that I could continue my training would relieve some of my worries, and allow me to regain the security that I have been lacking for the past year.

I am a hard worker, a self-motivated and self-directed designer, with a passion to learn and grow my craft. Whenever I have faced adversity I have been resilient, proactive, resourceful, and a quick learner. I have been recognized for my drafting and CAD modeling skills, for exceeding expectations, for working on tight deadlines, as well as for my passion and hard work. My expertise in design, product development, 3D modeling, hand, and digital sketching, contextual research, and material and product sourcing have all played a part in my rise to success. My past achievements are indicative of an effective leader who communicates well and has a proven achievement in fast-paced challenging environments.
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Donations 

  • Joanne OHara
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Mary Jourdak
    • $40 
    • 3 yrs
  • Jodi Flowers
    • $200 
    • 3 yrs
  • Emmanuel Cuvin
    • $100 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
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Organizer

Brian V
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY

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