KENNEWICK — Asana Rashad dreams of becoming a doctor so she can help people around the world without access to medical care.

She's a step closer to making that happen, thanks to help from the Tri-City community — but she still needs a little more support.

Asana, 18, an exchange student from the West African country of Ghana who has been attending Kennewick High School this year, has been accepted to college in Missouri and has secured $14,000 in scholarships.

She's trying to raise the $9,600 she still needs to bridge the gap.

She believes she can do it.

"Right now, when I lay down, I cannot sleep," she said, explaining that she's so excited about the possibility of going to college.

That wouldn't be an option for her back home. Asana's family — which includes her twin sister and four younger brothers — doesn't have much money, and her father has made it clear he won't be able to pay for school.

She fears that if she returns to Ghana to live, she'll be forced to marry and will watch her dream fade away.

"I just want to help people. I have the inspiration to help people," she said.

Asana has been accepted to Cottey College in Nevada, Mo. An alumna from the Tri-Cities helped her with admission and the scholarship.

"She's determined. It's so wonderful," said Kennewick High history teacher Sandy Raines. "She's so thankful for what's happened."

Asana is to leave for Ghana on June 29.

If she is able to raise the money she needs, she will return to the U.S. in the fall for college.

Donations to help Asana pay for college can be made at any Banner Bank branch under her name.