It's not every day that you hear about someone getting a chance to intern with the nation's space agency. For India Jackson, she's received the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Atlanta woman posted on Facebook on May 7 that she had been awarded a NASA internship! She wrote that she's a single parent who has worked hard to to make this dream as a graduate student become a reality.
But even with the great news, there was a little bit of discouragement - the cost it would take to get to Houston, Texas to complete the 10-week program at the Johnson Space Center.
"I have to pay for housing and travel upfront and it’s gonna be a struggle and I was feeling down about it but I had a talk with my cuzzo Dasha Fuller and she assured me that we will find a way to try and make it happen," her Facebook post reads.
In an attempt to try to find that way, a GoFundMe page was created.
"India is a single mother and a struggling graduate student, so money is tight," the online fundraising campaign reads. "NASA Interns must pay for their own travel and lodging while in the program."
They set the fundraising goal at $8,000. Strangers went beyond that in just one day.
"I want to thank everyone for the outpouring support," Jackson said in another Facebook post. "Jewel and I will have a great experience in Houston and I plan on documenting the entire 10 weeks!!"
The GoFundMe shows they raised $8,510 with more than 250 donors. There were plenty of positive comments posted on the site.
"I was once a struggling single mother trying to get a STEM degree," wrote Healther Krause. "It's totally worth it. You'll do great. Happy to be able to pass it on."
"Women in STEM," said Mari Maggini.
"I donated because I've been there as a single mom and others helped me follow my dreams," said Laura Hubbard. "Best of luck to you! Make it happen!"
