Taylor Swift donates £23,000 to 18-year-old who set up a GoFundMe so she could attend university to become a mathematician

By Sumaiya Ghani in Amazing On 22nd August 2020
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Taylor Swift is not only a good singer but also a good human.

Taylor Swift donated £23,000 to an 18-year-old girl so that she could afford to study mathematics at the University of Warwick.

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Teenager Vitoria Mario started a GoFundMe with her goal being set at £40,000 to afford her higher studies and become a mathematician. Vitoria was halfway through her goal when the famous singer Taylor Swift came across her appeal. The singer got so inspired by the teen's dedication that she decided to gift her with the rest of the tuition.

Taylor wrote; 'Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality.'

'I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount. Good luck with everything you do! Love, Taylor.'

Vitoria described herself as a 'black 18-year-old with a dream'.

The teen couldn't believe Taylor Swift gave her a gift.

Vitoria said: 'My mind has been blown. I was wondering how to reach enough people to hit my goal and now this miracle has happened.'

Vitoria Mario GoFundMe

'I'm just over the moon. I got 1A and 2A*s in my exam results recently and this is just a huge cherry on the cake!'

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Vitoria wrote why she set up a GofundMe account

She wrote: 'My name is Vitoria Mario, and I am a young Black 18 year old with a dream.

Vitoria Mario GoFundMe

'I have received a conditional offer to study Mathematics (MMath) at the prestigious University of Warwick. I have already attained AABB at AS Level and I have recently achieved A*A*A in my A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics, respectively.'

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Though the money is arranged, Vitoria says she is still in a position of uncertainty

'However, I am still in a position of uncertainty as I may not be able to attend university due to my circumstances. I have lived in the U.K. for 4 years now, after migrating from Portugal to live with family in Tottenham.'

Vitoria Mario GoFundMe

'The socio-economic barriers of not being eligible for maintenance loans/grants are due not only to not having ‘Home’ status, but also because my family is low income, and unable to help me self-fund through university.'

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'Sadly, my father has passed away, and my mother remains in Portugal. Moving away from her was a challenge but it was a sacrifice worth being made, in my family’s eyes. "If you can get a university education in the UK, you will be set apart for life".

Vitoria Mario GoFundMe

'In spite of this, I have always been a studious person, and after coming to the U.K. in 2016, unable to utter a word in English, I achieved 100% A*-As in all my GCSEs in 2018, getting a grade 9 and 8 in Maths and English respectively. I am currently a student at Brampton Manor Academy, notorious for their work in helping young Black and minority ethnic students such as myself gain entry to top U.K. institutions."

#6

'Only 35% of STEM students are female, and as of 2018, they make up just 26% of STEM graduates. In addition to the gender imbalance, there is further under-representation of BAME women, particularly Black women, who are in a shortage within the field and academic institutions.

Vitoria Mario GoFundMe

'Why didn't I do this earlier, you may ask?

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#7

'I emailed numerous (442 to be exact) people from top firms to see if they were able to assist me or point me in the right direction, but was rejected or left without response. As desperate times called for desperate measures, I also went to some of the most affluent postcodes in London, including Kensington, to post my story through letterboxes, but unfortunately faced the same response.'

Vitoria Mario GoFundMe

#8

'Though my story is not unique, my dream of becoming a Mathematician is not only a chance at social mobility for my family and me, but to inspire people who have been in similar positions to aspire to be the best version of themselves and strive for their dreams despite gender/racial inequality, immigration issues, and financial barriers.'

Vitoria Mario GoFundMe

#9

'Financial Breakdown (estimate for 4 year course). Accommodation - £24,000. Equipment (e.g. Laptop, textbooks ) - £3,000. Living costs (e.g. food, transport, gas, electricity etc.) - £13, 000.'

Vitoria Mario GoFundMe

'I am grateful for any assistance with my journey and appreciate the time taken to engage with my story.'

We hope that Vitoria and all other young passionate individuals reach their unique goals and keep inspiring us with their stories.