Johns Hopkins Bound!

Today I learned that I’ve been accepted to graduate school at Johns Hopkins University.  It was my first choice and I wasn't sure I'd make the cut.  I’ll be pursuing a dual program with a Masters in Museum Studies with a focus in digital curation and a certificate in Non-Profit Management.  I am beyond thrilled that I will be able to pursue my passion for museums and education.

Yet here I am, a student at this prestigious university, and I have no way to fund it.  I’ve been job hunting since before my graduation from the University of Minnesota in May.  I’ve had no luck in finding permanent employment so I’ve taken temp jobs where I can.   I’m $3916 short of the tuition payment due by August 22nd.  I’ve got student loan payments fast approaching along with my other bills.  The debt is piling up and my opportunity is slipping away.

I know money is tight for everyone these days.  However, if you have a few dollars to spare, I'd be beyond grateful.
As an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota, I focused primarily on ancient art of the Mediterranean and Near East. While writing my senior thesis on the ivories of Nimrud, I developed a deep appreciation for digital curation. Much of what I studied was only available to me via online museum catalogs. Even more impressive was the access to objects that had been destroyed by man or time or had been lost over the years. Prior to this experience, I had little to no knowledge of digital curation and its uses. After the Assyrian capital, of which I had grown very fond, was destroyed, I became a huge supporter of digital curation because without it, much of our collective history as humans will be lost forever.
While digital curation is certainly an interest of mine, my passion is community engagement. Getting busy individuals and families into museums is often a challenge; they need a reason to go out of their way. With the skills I take away from Johns Hopkins, I plan to produce innovative programming for all ages regardless of the setting. I will be better prepared to organize and present fundraising initiatives to museum boards and patrons. I am excited about museums and all they have to offer us. I realize it is unrealistic to think that all who come to a museum will leave with that same excitement, but I do hope that through my efforts they might leave more knowledgeable and inquisitive than when they entered.

The collective history of humanity is the main reason why I want to work in the field of Museum Studies. It is vitally important for us to remember where we came from in order to know where we are going. Museums, whether they focus on history, art, science, or children, hold the keys to our past, present, and future as human beings. It is crucial that museum administrators know how to engage with the community, patrons, and board members. Programming, short-term fundraising, capital campaigns, and community involvement are all necessary requirements to help museums thrive. I know a Master of Arts in Museum Studies from Johns Hopkins University will give me the knowledge, skills, and preparation needed to be an asset to any museum.

Regardless of whether you choose to donate or just share this with your friends, I thank you for your time and support!