I am Brenda Paredes from Lima, Perú, an international student at UNC Charlotte currently earning my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish with full financial support from a local church. I will graduate in December, 2016 with this degree as well as a certificate in Spanish Business Language. I have earned high honors throughout my time here, have been inducted into multiple honor societies including Phi Kappa Phi and will graduate with a GPA of at least 3.8.
Having been born and raised in Perú, I have seen and experienced extreme poverty and the struggles females face in a male dominated culture. While I’ve been fortunate to realize many of my dreams, I want to set an example that women have significant value and can contribute equally in helping a family rise above poverty. A woman with an advanced degree is uncommon in Perú, but is given opportunities to impact lives in ways other women simply can’t.
I have been accepted into the Masters of Arts in Latin American Studies program at UNC Charlotte and will start this curriculum in January. I plan to use what I learn here to start a Non-Profit Organization that will focus on helping and empowering low income Latin American women to reach their full potential.
Unfortunately, my family in Perú is unable to help me financially and my local sponsors have done all they are able to do. Being an international student, I must continue to pay “out of state tuition” and simply don’t have the resources for this. My per semester tuition, fees and books (estimated) will be $7,500 after a small stipend from the graduate school.
Thank you for any help you are able to provide. I promise to continue to work hard to earn the donations you send.
