They Used My College Fund—But My Great-Aunt Had the Last Word
When I found out that my college fund had been emptied to pay for my brother’s lavish wedding, home renovations, and some business ventures, I was heartbroken. What made it even more difficult was realizing it had been done by the very people I trusted most—my parents. But what they didn’t know was that my great-aunt Martha had been one step ahead.
Growing up, I always looked up to Aunt Martha. She broke family traditions by becoming a doctor, moving to London, and eventually building a life in the U.S. Her story was a beacon of independence and strength. While others in my family followed a more traditional path, she showed me what was possible with education and determination.
On one of her last visits, she said something I’ll never forget: “You remind me of myself—so curious, so hungry for knowledge. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.” Her words stuck with me. In a culture where women were often expected to limit their ambitions, Aunt Martha believed education offered freedom. She even set up savings accounts for her female relatives, and she placed around $75,000 in an account for my college education. “No one can touch this but you,” she said. I promised to make her proud.
After she passed, I felt comfort knowing her gift would help me achieve my goals. But when I went to the bank to withdraw funds for my first semester, I was stunned to find only $13,000 remaining. The teller explained that multiple withdrawals had been made using my signature—except I had never signed anything.
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