$6000 in 60 Days For Grad School!

Well hello hello hello :)

I know it's been a little while since I've sent out anything via this thing, but I wanted to be sure that folks are aware of some important news! I am moving from Durham to Greensboro this summer in order to finish my master's education in Counseling at UNCG!

My first year was wonderful in so many ways because of and in spite of my commute. And as much as I've loved still being at Duke and in Durham, it has become increasingly clear that I should be in Greensboro, at least until I graduate.

At the beginning of the year, my housemates and I agreed to not extend our lease in July for another year of life together. Soon after, I learned that my job would be changing by the end of summer, and I was given the option to be released from my two-year contract, an option I accepted. These, along with some other notable personal shifts, made it possible for me to pursue a job at UNCG, one that would pay for tuition and keep me from the struggle of relying on loans, scholarship, and self-made fundraisers. :)

I also see this move as an opportunity to grow, apart from my experiences at Duke and in Durham, kind of like a personal re-invention of sorts. At least, that's what one mentor of mine has told me, and I agree. :)

In a lot of ways, I feel like these changes have thrusted me as a caterpillar into a life cocoon, and I won't emerge as the butterfly I want to be for some time. And as scary as change can be, I'm quite hopeful about it all. I trust that I will continue learning and growing as I have been. I know that God is with me and that God is faithful to me as the Father He is.

Of course, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. I'm still applying for jobs at UNCG and looking at places to live and worship-- so if you think you can help with that, please do! And if you feel inclined to give, I will certainly accept whatever you send with gratitude because it will help with my relocation!

And as always, don't be a stranger! I would love to hear from you, especially if we've not been in touch for a little while. Don't hesitate to reach out if you feel the unction to do so. Regardless, thank you for your time and consideration, and blessings to you and yours!

Love Love Love,
Jesse

Happy New Year Everyone :)

I mentioned that I was considering starting a blog, and I decided to do it. Like with this fund raiser, I'm not entirely sure what will happen, how it will be received, how folks will respond and so on.. we will see what happens! It's nothing much right now, but I'm hoping to post regularly and add more over time. And I'm hoping you'll check it out every once in a while. For those who are interested:

http://huddlespeak.wordpress.com/

Happy 2013! Blessings to you and yours!
Jesse

Hello There Folks! :)

Tomorrow is the final day of this fund raiser (and my birthday!), so I wanted to give you the last official giving update today... I'll be a little occupied tomorrow, turning 24 and all. Hopefully, you understand. :)

Quick Recap: We've raised more than $3000 thus far, and I was able to pay for all of next semester's tuition. (Thanks again!) Anything else raised will cover books and other expenses throughout the semester: (travel, workshops, life, etc.)

Point of Clarity: I am currently in graduate school. I repeat, I AM CURRENTLY IN GRADUATE SCHOOL. Some folks have been confused about this, so I want to set the record straight. I'm not starting school next year. I have been at UNCG since August pursuing a MS in Counseling. I intend to finish in May of 2014.

Additional Notes:
1.) You can give apart from this website. Some people have opted to do that, and that's totally fine. Just message me via the "Contact" icon on the main page.
2.) You can give after 12/30. Some people have not been able to contribute with the holidays and whatnot, and that's totally fine too. Just because the campaign is over doesn't mean you can't surprise me in 2013. Again, feel free to contact me; I have Facebook, Twitter, Email, Phone-- I will gladly receive your support!
3.) You can give even if we don't reach $6000. Don't think this is a failure if we don't get to 100% by the end of 12/30. This has made a major difference for me financially and personally; I am eternally grateful for your responses!

Final plea: Through this campaign, I've not wanted anyone to feel pressured or forced to give. Rather, I have sought to trust in the goodness of people and to believe that people can demonstrate that they care if I give them the chance. I know there's always a reason not to give-- I'm just hoping you find a reason to give and decide that this is worth it. Please contribute something, share this with a friend, and/or message me! It's not 60 days yet, and it's not $6000 yet, so it's certainly not too late!

Blessings to all of you! Happy New Year!
Love Love Love :)
Jesse

p.s. after all of this, I am seriously considering starting a blog. Be on the lookout if you're interested!