My name is Perpetua Senatus. Originally from Haiti, I was forced to flee my home country for safety reasons in my twenties, leaving behind my cherished law studies to start over in the United States. Arriving with no financial support, guidance, or easy access to aid, I had to navigate an entirely new system. Driven by a determination to continue my education, I enrolled at Kingsborough Community College, earning an AAS in Computer Systems, before transferring to Columbia University to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Information Sciences. While pivoting away from law was difficult, it allowed me to reconnect with a lifelong passion for technology. I have always been fascinated by data organization, system architecture, and practical problem-solving. Today, this passion drives my career ambition to become a database developer. My resilience is deeply rooted in my faith in God, which gives me the strength to look forward rather than dwell on past trauma. Outside of my studies, I am dedicated to being the guide I never had. As a trilingual speaker of Haitian Creole, French, and English, I actively support fellow immigrants and students navigating language barriers, translating resources, and helping them find their footing. Receiving your support would significantly ease the financial burden of completing my degree. As an immigrant student, my immigration status makes me ineligible for federal aid. I have been unable to work due to current immigration policies, and my savings have been exhausted.