Main fundraiser photo

Help me finish grad school!

First off, I want to say that I questioned whether or not I wanted to do this because I see so many of these used inappropriately, but after thinking about it I hope that those of you that read forward understand why I am doing this. For those that don't know me personally, my name is Brandon Gaudet and I am a candidate for a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Louisiana Tech University. I am currently in my clinical practicum, with 2 quarters of clinical internship starting in a few weeks. These are NOT paid positions and tuition must still be paid for these hours. Due to budget cuts and changes in student loan distribution (and the unorthodox manner in which LA Tech deals with finanacial aid), I will not be recieving enough money to cover tuition or receive a refund check, which many, if not most graduate-level students use to subsidize funds for housing, bills, food, transportation, books, etc. And yes, I DO HAVE A JOB, though because of the hours I am required to meet for my clinical rotation I am limited in when and where I can work, and currently am not making enough money to make ends meet as it is working 5-6 shifts/week in addition to coursework and clinical hour requirements. To be quite frank, I am struggling and do not want this financial stress to filter into my ability to offer effective and ethically sound clinical practice. I, unlike many students here, unfortunately do not have a close system of financial support to help me, nor do I come from a family capable of offering me financial support. So, what will this money be used for you ask? Any funds allocated through this campaign will be used to help cover the costs of tuition, books, professional development supplies related to my clinical practice, rent, bills, food, transportation, travel for post-graduate employment interviews, and the like. Why such a large goal? To be completely honest, considering the negative experiences I have had as a graduate student thus far with Louisiana Tech and financial aid I want to make sure that I will be covered through the end of my program (11/2016), including relocation BACK HOME TO NEW ORLEANS IMMEDIATELY after graduation unless an offer elsewhere I can not pass up arises. With that said, any funds not used will be donated toward research specifically geared toward mental health research and practice, and the decision of that organization lies in the hands of donators, as I would like all who contribute to offer suggestions they are either passionate about and/or have experience with. I apologize for the exhaustive commentary, but then again this is not something I was sure I wanted to do so I wanted to be very transparent about my intentions. If course, if there are questions of concerns I am open to discuss them personally. I understand we all have struggles at some point, and will not take offense if certain people close to me are not able to contribute, but if you are it is greatly appreciated in advance. Regardless I love you all, my "cheerleaders" in this journey, because without all of you I would not have come so far up from the depths below I once thought were to be my permanent place of existence. Lastly, if you feel comfortable, please share this with any and all who may be willing to contribute to someone trying to achieve higher education and better themselves.

~The devine light within me recognizes and respects the devine light within you... Namaste~

Organizer

JoJo Dancer
Organizer
Ruston, LA

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.