HI, I'm a college student with a birthday dream I've held close since childhood: to finally travel and celebrate life in a way I never had the chance to. Growing up, birthdays were often quiet,not for lack of love but because my family faced tough financial times, especially around that month. I accepted it but this year, I decided to change that.

I carefully saved money over the past year to make my travel wish come true. With my mom’s blessing, I planned the trip with excitement and hope. Unfortunately, life had other plans. My parents needed the money during an emergency, and of course I gave it. Family comes first.

Now, I'm shy to ask them for it back and honestly, it feels disheartening to watch this long-awaited birthday slip away. But I still believe in kindness and community. If you’ve ever known what it’s like to hope for something quietly, I ask for your help in making this small dream come true. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me a little closer to a birthday I’ll remember forever.