College Student In Need

Hi, my name is Tia. I’m 17 years old, and for a while now I’ve been doing my best to raise and support my younger sister, who is 9.

This isn’t something I ever expected to be doing at my age, but circumstances at home mean that a lot of responsibility has fallen on me. Every day, I balance school, work, and caring for my sister, making sure she gets to and from school safely, that she’s supported emotionally, and that she feels secure.

We’re managing, but only just. Everything I earn goes straight to covering basics. On top of everyday costs, my sister needs braces, which are important for her health and confidence, but financially out of reach for us right now. She’s also currently in counselling due to bullying, which has been incredibly hard on her and something I refuse to neglect.

We also have a kitten, who has become a source of comfort for both of us during a really stressful time. Taking care of him is another responsibility I have taken on, but it does add to our expenses.

On top of all this, I’m also in therapy myself. I attend around three hours of therapy each week to manage Borderline Personality Disorder, which developed from childhood trauma caused by my parents. Therapy is essential for my wellbeing and helps me stay stable, present, and able to care for my sister, but it’s another cost I have to cover.

I work as much as I can, but I can’t simply take on more hours without risking my sister’s safety and wellbeing, as I’m responsible for picking her up, dropping her home, and being there for her when she needs me. It’s exhausting and stressful, but I’m doing my absolute best. I work 2 jobs, plus an apprenticeship and have honestly considered doing s3x work or OF. I've tried the survey apps, I've tried side hustles, and nothing is working.

I’m writing this with hope to find help that can cover:

My sister’s braces

Counselling costs for her wellbeing

Ongoing therapy for myself

Basic living and care expenses, including our kitten

Any contribution, no matter the size, would help ease the pressure and give us some breathing room. Even sharing this to someone else means more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any support you’re able to give.

Tia.