Project: Cinthya

My name is Cinthya Felix.

In 2007, I became the first undocumented student admitted to Columbia University's School of Public Health. As an undocumented student, I am ineligible for all federal aid, grants or fellowships; thus, I was forced to defer my admissions from 2007.

This fall 2008 I fully intend to begin my studies at Columbia and I need your help.

So far, through the efforts of friends, family, and advocates, I have secured over $13,000 in private scholarships towards tuition. Unfortunately, this is still $39,000 short of the total cost of my first year at Columbia University. Without additional support, I will be dropped from the program since I am no longer eligible for another deferral.

I immigrated to the United States from Mexico in the summer of 1999. In 2003, I graduated from Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. As a high school student, I worked hard to transition from ESL into AP courses. My hard work paid off because I was admitted to UCLA, but because of my undocumented status, I did not qualify for financial aid. However, I did not let this stop me and after applying to countless scholarships and working odd jobs, I was able to secure funds for four years of undergraduate work at UCLA.

In 2007, I graduated from UCLA with a double Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English World Literature, and Spanish Literature with a minor in Mexican studies.

Now I have been accepted to one of the best Schools of Public Health in the nation to pursue a Masters of Public Health degree in Sociomedical Sciences with a concentration on Health Promotion. Upon graduating, I plan to attend medical school and return to my community as a physician to help make health care services more accessible and culturally competent to under-served communities.

Now, I need your help and financial support in order to make this dream a reality.

Please make a tax-deductible donation towards my tuition for Columbia University. Please make checks payable to Libreria del Pueblo, my fiscal receiver with tax-exempt status, and include my name in the memo. Mail your check to:

Libreria del Pueblo
c/o Cinthya Felix
P.O. Box 227352
Los Angeles, CA 90023

As soon as Libreria del Pueblo process the funds they will provide you with a tax ID# to ensure that you can report your donation to the IRS. You can contact me at cfelix23@ucla.edu or by calling me at (323) 533-3046 cell.

Many thanks for your kindness and support,