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Get This Native to the Ivy League

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Bo zho jayék ginwa
Mine nij neshnabék mine nij agnomagsajek
Nin se Jigwékwé

Hi, my name is Christine Trudeau.

I am 29-years-old, a citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and I need your help.

A few months ago I was accepted into the Columbia School of Journalism as a candidate for their Masters of Science program. If you or anyone you know have ever attended an Ivy League school, you know that it is really, really expensive. And if you’ve ever been to New York, you know how pricey living there is.

Here is the breakdown: tuition is $57,679 and with fees required by Columbia for things like Standard Medical Insurance, the total price jumps to $63,257 for the one-year program. Add costs like rent, utilities, food and transportation, and the cost balloons to $92,933. This is Columbia’s estimate, not mine. 

But I’m not asking you for money simply so that I can reduce my student loans or have some disposable income through school. I’m asking you to make an investment in diversity at an elite school and in newsrooms across the country. 

As a Native American woman, I am keenly aware of the issue of diversity within many news organizations. The need for more inclusivity and representation of people of color is paramount to the future of journalism. As reporters, we are fundamentally at odds with our mission to be a voice for the voiceless if we only include the views of a certain class or race. An institution like the Columbia Journalism School is willing to support me by providing an education from world-class staff and faculty. Perhaps you’ll do the same?

 This is what you should know about me: when I was 7 years old, I was placed in foster care like many other Native children. I was shuffled from class to class and my academics suffered major setbacks as a result of the emotionally damaging situation I was in. By the time I reached high school, an evaluation found that I was reading at a fourth grade level; I was placed in special education programs, and teachers told me that I would never amount to anything.

I spent the next ten years catching up and proving them wrong.

I graduated from the Institute of American Indian Arts with a degree in creative writing last year. I held a one-year apprenticeship with my local public radio station in Albuquerque; this culminated in an internship and part-time job with NPR in Washington DC.


I have free-lanced print and radio pieces for NPR, Native Peoples Magazine and National Native News.


This fall I will begin the next phase of my journey at Columbia University, an institution synonymous with the very essence of professional and ethical journalism, and world-renowned for its ability to train great writers and communicators.

Being a journalist represents so many things I value: truth, responsibility, independence, and, of course, contributing meaningfully to this nation and tribal nations.

My story is one of millions in this country, but my experiences are helping me to write about the world I live in from a perspective unknown to most. I have lived the experience of the voiceless, and every day, my voice grows stronger and stronger. One year from now, I will be graduating from the Columbia School of Journalism, and my outlook, experience, and background will help guide newsrooms to new stories, and better journalism.


But I need your help.

Yes, I have applied for and continue to apply for scholarships. Yes, I am working and saving. But $92,933 is a lot of money for me. I don’t have a trust fund, and I don’t have wealthy parents. All I have are people who support my goals, and support me. I’m hoping that you will be one of them.


Thank you for your time.


 In health and help,

Miigwetch!

(Thank you!)

 



More Info: 
GoFundMe charges a 5% fee, plus 2.9% withdrawal fee from WePay + $0.30 per transaction . So in meeting my $92K goal, I'll only retain the reduced amount of roughly $85,600 USD. So every dollar that helps me exceed this goal is greatly appreciated!
*Columbia Journalism School: Cost of Attendance
*My Website
*My Blog
*My LinkedIn
*Follow me on Twitter @deaulou
 


Special Thanks To:

My family and friends, for always going above and beyond to support me and my goals. Love always. 

My father, Potawatomi Native Linguist and Inter tribal Spiritual Leader, Neaseno Perrot . For his love and support, I'm always grateful beyond English words. 

Tristan Ahtone , a good friend and mentor, without whom this campaign wouldn't be possible.

Op Cit Books , in Santa Fe, NM, for giving me the opportunity to find my confidence, and their continued support over the years. 

The NPR  Diversity Department, Keith Woods, Luis Clemens, and Doug Mitchell, who showed me how to trust and believe in myself, helping to shape me on my path forward.

The Low Residency Graduate Writing Program at the Institute of American Indian Arts  (my Undergrad Alma Mater) who's Director, Jon Davis , provided me guidance and technical support for the production of this campaign. 

The Institute of American Indian Arts , for giving me foundation and vision  in my undergrad, to see myself as a viable and important part of the future of this country. 

The Native American Journalists Association (NAJA), an organization I am proud to be a member of. 

I am eternally grateful for all your support. Thank you.

Organizer

Christine Trudeau
Organizer
San Diego, CA

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