NBA Star Kyrie Irving Donates $22K To Student's GoFundMe So She Can Stay In School

When Howard University student Destiny Thompson started a GoFundMe page five days ago to help with her college expenses so she could stay in school, she hoped to raise $6,000. But what she got was a huge surprise from NBA star Kyrie Irving.

Thompson's GoFundMe story explains that's she's a sophomore at Howard University majoring in civil engineering with a mathematical minor. "Through hard work, we attain our dreams and goals in life, which is why I have been working tirelessly since I was 16," she wrote. "As a first-generation student from a family of ten, I have faced many challenges on my journey to higher education. As a first-generation college student, it is not uncommon for me to have self-doubt and lack financial and emotional support. Investing in myself is my primary reason for attending college. The importance of knowledge cannot be overstated, in my opinion."

She continued her story by sharing her favorite quote that inspires her daily life. "'We make a living by what we get – but we make a life by what we give' (Sir Winston Churchill) is a quote that inspires me daily. As I became accustomed to my environment, I remembered thinking that is simply the way of life and that I would grow up to be the same. My confusion was still somewhat evident even after I understood this. I could not and will not settle," she explained.

"I am passionate about my education and will use my knowledge to educate my community and lead people like me to college. I can fulfill my education dreams as an undergraduate student at Howard University." She concluded her story by explaining that all donations are appreciated and will go directly toward her college tuition balance for the semester. "Thank you for investing in my education and future," she wrote.

Before Irving's donation, Thompson had a little over $1,000 in donations listed on her GoFundMe page. Thompson was at work at Wal-Mart when she got the good news that the Brooklyn Nets' star donated money to her cause. She posted a video on her Facebook page to show her gratitude for the unexpected donation.

"I'm just so happy. I never thought in a million years that anyone would give me anything," she began her video. "I am so grateful. I want to thank you a thousand times for blessing me like this, Mr. Kyrie Irving. I'm in shock." The comment section of her post received tons of congratulatory messages and words of support and love.

According to Nets Daily, a spokesman for the Nets said he was unaware of the donation. Irving has not posted about the donation on his social media, but that's not unusual for the basketball player who often quietly donates money to good causes. He did, however, tweet inspiring words the day after he made the donation.