Finding security from the Angel Fund
Out-of-state student overcomes financial challenges in pursuit of higher education.
As Aryanna Phillips packed her car in Jersey City, N.J., she had high hopes for the future. She had been accepted to the University of North Dakota’s Wildlife Biology program but had no idea the challenges she would face while earning her degree.
Finances were tight with an out-of-state tuition bill. To help with the cost, she worked several food service jobs on campus and was eventually promoted to student manager. Between leftover food allowed to employees after their shifts, the SNAP program, and UND’s Food for Thought Food Pantry, she was able to get by most days. But not all.
Angel Fund recipient Aryanna Phillips works several food service jobs on campus to cover expenses.
Aryanna’s confidence in her decision to attend college halfway across the country wavered, until Ed, her manager at Express Convenience Store, told her about the UND Angel Fund – a UND program that helps students cover basic needs. The UND Angel Fund takes applications year-round and offers an average of $750 to qualifying students.
Aryanna followed Ed’s suggestion and filled out the application. On her birthday, she received the best present: an email notifying her that she would be granted Angel Funds.
“I felt very blessed,” said Aryanna. “I never thought that it would come to me when I needed it most. Nourishing oneself is very vital to success, and being able to feed myself has helped a lot with getting up in the morning, staying focused in school and working every day.”
I never thought that it would come to me when I needed it the most.Aryanna Phillips
The funds have helped Aryana regain the sense of security she needed to continue at UND. Her pantry is stocked, and she has sought other avenues to get help with her studies. Now a sophomore majoring in entrepreneurship, she plans to use her degree in city planning, nature park development, or animal health. Aryanna recognizes the generosity of donors who have helped her and other students in a tight spot:
“Thank you to all the donors who help make student life easier for those who are less fortunate. You are all a blessing.”
Be an Angel
The UND Angel Fund provides financial help for students overcoming challenges to completing their education. The fund is a resource for students to cover life expenses such as rent costs, medical bills, travel costs for funerals, and more.
