Just last December, Ashley Fleming, a 24-year-old college senior with one semester left, was afraid she would not be able to graduate. With nearly $100,000 in student loans and no cosigner in sight, Fleming resorted to crowdfunding her tuition by setting up a GoFundMe page to ask for help.
Our original article on Fleming was published last December, a week before her Christmas deadline when her outstanding balance was due. Since then, she has raised more than enough money to enroll in her final semester at American University in Washington, D.C. From $10 donations to an astounding one-time donation of $6,800, her final total was $24,312.
“Thank you everyone for your truly exceptional support! I am amazed to say that we met our goal and because of you, graduation from college is now not only a dream but also a reality. I am in awe at the immense compassion and kindness of the human heart. This is the best holiday miracle anyone could ask for. Most of all, a gift of a lifetime. I cannot wait to honor your generous support as a promise to pay it forward. Because of you, graduation is near. See you all at the finish line,” said Fleming on her GoFundMe page.
Many people have also reached out to express interest in continuing to help her finance her final semester. Although Fleming still has a few more credits to earn and some financial obstacles to overcome before officially graduating, she said American University has tentatively agreed to allow her to walk in the May 2016 graduation ceremony.
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