From Lux Good morning, afternoon, and evening to you all. My name is Lux (they/them), and I am a 22 year old writer. I have survived a childhood scarred by years filled with hunger, homelessness, and multiple forms of abuse, but I am now here to tell you about the new life that I am fighting so desperately for. One that instead includes loving friends, emotional and physical safety, and currently one of my only chances at salvation - a college education. Due to the fact that I have a really hard time sharing the emotions and experiences which make up my agonizing past, I am going to call upon my beloved, Mika, who is my soulmate and best friend. From Mika So now allow me to introduce myself, as well! My name is Mika (they/them), and I am a 20 year old full-time art student in the UK. I met Lux online almost 6 years ago, and they have become my best friend and the love of my life. Throughout their trauma I have supported them to the best of my ability both emotionally and financially when my limited budget allowed. However, it wasn’t until September of 2024 that Lux’s life started to change for the better, when with the financial help of friends, we pooled our resources and flew them to the UK to live with me for six months in a safe environment. It was also during this time that we were able to lay down the plans which would allow Lux to apply for college at Leeds Arts University and pursue a degree in creative writing. Lux’s Backstory Fueled by tragedy and trauma, Lux has always written. They’ve always found ways to translate pain into art. But not just into one medium, because Lux also enjoys the visual and performing arts, especially music and ballet. They also have an affinity for languages, have a keen interest in history, literature and current events, and are fascinated by the biological sciences. Outside of academics, Lux loves animals (especially cats), and much to the delight of their friends, is a master chef. Our love for art partially stems from being autistic, which both of us are. Unfortunately, autistic children often have barriers between them and the education system, and Lux’s experience was no exception. Their ethnic heritage is also diverse and uncommon, which frequently has made them the target of racial harassment. This was especially intense during their middle school years, when Lux attended a rural, conservative, and predominantly white school located in the southeastern U.S. One of the most egregious instances occurred when Lux once fainted during an outdoor classroom exercise, only to wake up alone several minutes later. They walked back to the school building and found that the doors were locked and no one had been notified. The greatest injustice Lux endured, however, was at the hands of an adult male known to the family and who subjected them to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse from a very young age. Nor did Lux receive any protection from the legal system, which dismissed the child’s personal statement and, in turn, gave Lux’s abuser access to them for several more years. Ultimately Lux was forced to make a decision no 14 year old should have to face: endure relentless abuse both at home and at school, or flee. Lux chose the latter. But then, as a minor, they found themselves dependent on remaining family who were either incapable or unwilling to help them. As a result, they found themselves homeless or in unsafe housing situations, miles from help, with limited access to food, and no means of transportation. But they never gave up on their dreams of living a normal life, and continued to create, write, and study online whenever they had access. And now that self-determination is beginning to pay off. Where Lux is now and why they need your support With the help of friends (one of whom is a retired college educator and who recognized their potential), Lux has returned to the U.S. and taken the HiSET examinations, which are the equivalent of the end-of-year testing required to receive a diploma from an American high school. Lux achieved excellent scores, and has submitted the transcripts as requested to LAU (Leeds Arts University in the UK) and has been accepted into the creative writing program for fall of 2024, which is a dream come true. Attending school overseas alleviates their fears of continued harassment and fear of homelessness because I (Mika) have an apartment which we will share while we’re in school. But since Lux has no familial support, they urgently need assistance with tuition costs. Lux has applied for a student loan through FAFSA and will enroll for the work study program at Leeds, but the loan amount awarded is severely reduced when one does not have family that is able to co-sign the loan, and Lux has not received financial support from either parent since early high school. Beyond question, Lux’s intelligence, determination, and resilience has given them the strength to claw their way out of an existence marked by racial harassment, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, homelessness, hunger, and a belated right to an education. And we so very, very much appreciate your willingness to hear Lux’s story and thank you for any support you may be able to provide toward their college tuition. Warmly, Mika and Lux
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