I finished college but my financial crisis has denied me access to my diploma and can’t proceed with anything else

My name is Deborah Bowa. In 2024 I completed every class, every exam, and every field placement for my Diploma in Social Work at Evelyn College. I did the work. I passed. But when graduation day came, I had to watch from the sidelines because I still owed a balance of $1500 on my tuition. The college just took pity on me and allowed me sit for the exam but assured me that if I didn’t pay off my tuition balance there’s no way I would collect my paper—and sadly that’s my current predicament.

For 3 years I showed up. I worked with real families during field placement. I stayed up late studying case management while working part-time to cover what I could. I’m not asking because I quit — I’m asking because I finished, and now the last bill is the only thing stopping me from holding the diploma I earned.

Without that diploma, Evelyn College can’t release my transcript. That means I can’t get licensed, can’t apply for social work jobs, and can’t start doing the work I trained for: helping kids in crisis, supporting families, and being someone’s advocate when they need it most.

Your gift does 2 things:
1. It pays off the balance so Evelyn College releases my diploma.
2. It puts a trained Social Worker into the community — someone ready to serve right now.

Once it’s paid, my diploma is released and I can finally start the career I’ve worked years for.

I’m not looking for a handout. I’m asking for a hand up to close the last chapter. Every dollar and every share gets me closer to making my dreams a reality.

Thank you so much for believing in second chances .