Hey, first of all, thank you for taking the time to view my campaign and for being interested in my story. My name is Israel, and I am a proud first-generation college student. My parents never had the opportunity to experience higher education—one never finished middle school, and the other didn't complete high school. Despite the odds, I am determined to be the first in my family to achieve a college degree.



My journey has been anything but easy. Up until 8th grade, I was a struggling student—sometimes because of my own challenges, and sometimes because learning was genuinely difficult for me. Living with ADHD, dyslexia, and difficulties with short-term memory retention made school a daily battle. But things changed in 8th grade, when an inspiring teacher named Mr. Kimsey showed me what I could achieve if I truly applied myself. He taught me that success is built in the details, and that year, I transformed from a failing student into a straight-A achiever. That experience lit a fire in me, showing me that the road to success is one we pave ourselves.



In high school, I poured my energy into every assignment, every question, every opportunity to learn. My grades soared, but so did the pressure. Every report card of straight A’s felt like the stakes only got higher. I learned that failure isn’t a dead end—it’s a stepping stone. We all stumble, but what matters is choosing to get back up. For me, I was determined to keep pushing, to keep moving forward.



After taking all honors classes, I graduated a semester early with a 4.42 GPA. I thought I had conquered failure, but life had more lessons in store. My dream since age 12 was to go into law enforcement to help people. After community college, I landed an amazing opportunity with my local police department—but a “failed” polygraph, caused by uncontrollable nerves, closed that door. I was devastated and fell into a deep depression. Yet, remarkably, my grades never slipped. Through all the darkness, my commitment to learning remained my anchor.



One night, feeling lost, I came across a photo of my late uncle. He was a beacon of positivity and kindness, always lifting others up. Losing him to suicide before my eighteenth birthday left a mark on my heart. At that moment, I realized my mission to help others could take a new form. I decided to become a psychologist, hoping to help people find light in their darkest moments.



In community college, my passion for psychology grew. After presenting an ambitious research project, a professor encouraged me to apply to UC Davis—a place I never imagined for myself. I applied to UC Davis and UC Berkeley, dreaming big, even with no backup plan. Berkeley said no, but Davis said yes. My parents were proud, and though I was initially disappointed, I chose to embrace this new path.



Along the way, I finally learned the reason for my struggles with anxiety—a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. With the right support, I’ve learned how to manage my anxiety and continue to thrive.



Now, I am a full-time student at UC Davis, working part-time and pursuing my BA in psychology. My goal is to become a psychologist, to earn my PhD, and to create a program that helps people access the mental health care they need, regardless of their ability to pay. I dream of a future where those who receive help can share their gratitude with donors, and where every contribution makes a visible difference.



This journey is far from over, but every challenge has made me stronger and more determined. If you choose to support me, know that you’re not just helping me—you’re investing in a future where I can help countless others. I am deeply grateful for your belief in my dreams and for being part of this story of resilience, growth, and hope.