My name is Ángel Angulo, and I’m currently enrolled in the School of Architecture & Planning at the University of New Mexico. Born and raised in Culiacán Sinaloa, México, I migrated to the United States on my own at age 16, arriving at Albuquerque on January 4th of 2022. Deciding to finish my last three semesters of high school with my self-taught English and graduating with honours as top 24 of the generation, while maintaining a job at a local cabinet shop.
After graduating, I enrolled in university to pursue the dreamt career in the Architecture school, where I have been for now close to 3 years now. I’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and being in this program has meant more to me than I can put into words. As an immigrant under deferred action, accessing financial aid has always been difficult, and this year I unexpectedly became ineligible to complete the FAFSA, despite being a legal resident under my status. Because of this, I’m facing an urgent tuition gap that I simply cannot cover on my own.
I’ve been doing everything I can while working, budgeting carefully, and exploring every possible resource for the last four years, but I’m still short for close to $6,000 this year. Without this payment, I won’t be able to remain enrolled for the spring semester, which would set me back significantly in my path toward becoming an architect as I would have to drop out to save up to explore the possibility of coming back to school.
Asking for help doesn’t come easily to me, and I’m humbled to even be writing this. But needs come first, and at this moment, I could really use the support of my community. Any contribution—no matter the amount—would help me stay and continue pursuing a future I’ve been committed to since I was 9.
Even sharing this page would mean so much.
Attached are images of some of my work throughout these past years.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story and for any support you feel able to offer. I’m deeply grateful.
With appreciation,
– Ángel
