Meet Jordan: How a Wishlist Saved Their Semester
A first-gen student on the verge of dropping out found a way to stay in school- one gift at a time
Jordan * Sophomore, Biology
At a Glance
Biggest Gap: Tuition balance + dorm essentials
Registry Focus: Books, bedding, transit pass
Supporters: Family, one mentor, two neighbors
Time to Fund: 10 days to clear the balance
"I thought $400 meant the end of the school. Grad Village made it a community goal we could reach."
The Challenge
Jordan worked 20-25 hours a week and still fell short on a small but critical tuition balance.
Paying for it meant skipping books and delaying a meal plan- choices that were slowly sinking grades and motivation
The Turning Point
A friend shared Grad Village. Instead of asking for "money." Jordan built a registry of specific needs, including two course books, bedding, a campus transit pass, and the tuition remainder. It felt clear, honest, and doable for the people who cared
What Went on the Registry
a.) BIO 214 and CHEM 201 textbooks
b.) Twin XL bedding set
c.) 30-day transit pass
d.) Tuition remainder (400 target)
The Outcome
Within 10 days, Jordan's balance was cleared. Two books were purchased outright; the transit pass arrived by week two, Jordan finished the term with a 0.5 GPA jump, and kept their on-campus research slot.
Lessons Learned
a.) Name Exact needs- people love knowing precisely what helps
b.) Small items get momentum; larger goals close faster after that
c.) Share your link more than once (morning+evening works)
What I'd Tell Other Students
Build your registry early, even if it feels small. Specific needs + a short note about your goals make it easy for your community
to show up.