One more semester
Donation protected
This is terrifying, but here we go.
In 2015, I took the biggest risk of my life and moved from Canada to the States to complete a Master of Science program in behavioural science. Last year, in my final semester, I was raped.
Those who know me know that I have struggled with mental health issues for my entire life, but in recent years I had gotten them under control. While in Chicago, I felt capable and confident. I did extremely well in my classes.
After the sexual assault, I was no longer capable or confident. I changed from a person that could move to an entirely new country, alone, to a person that couldn't leave my apartment or get on the train. I tried to do everything correctly and started the legal process, but Chicago police were horrible (blaming me for what happened, among other things).
That April I attempted suicide and was hospitalized in a state psychiatric facility. The hospital was the most traumatic experience I've ever had, even more than the assault or police. You can probably imagine how awful a state psychiatric facility is, but if not, picture Shutter Island or some other horror movie asylum and you're not far off. Although I had my regular doctors and even the Canadian embassy requesting my release, the hospital doctors showed up too infrequently to assess or discharge me. When I did speak to any professional there, my interactions were disgusting beyond belief. One doctor said, "At least you're not being raped here." It was only when a doctor from another hospital visited that I was finally discharged.
Following the hospital, I was completely unable to work or go to school. I requested a medical leave, but the school cancelled my visa. With only months left in my program, I withdrew and moved back to my parents' house in Canada.
It's taken me a year of progress to feel like I am finally able to finish my degree. I discovered that I could complete it via distance in the school's online program. With my degree, I would be able to become certified in the career I've always wanted - - providing evidence-based, effective treatment for individuals with special needs. It would greatly increase my opportunities and my earning potential. It would be worth what I went through.
The only thing stopping me from finishing my degree and finally achieving my goal is the tuition. I took on a huge amount of debt to pursue this degree, but I only had enough for the two years that I was there.
I'm asking for help to pay for this final semester. I know that higher education is a privilege and that I've been extremely lucky to do any of this, and that I am not entitled to any of your money. Anything given would be a blessing.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Those who know me know that I have struggled with mental health issues for my entire life, but in recent years I had gotten them under control. While in Chicago, I felt capable and confident. I did extremely well in my classes.
After the sexual assault, I was no longer capable or confident. I changed from a person that could move to an entirely new country, alone, to a person that couldn't leave my apartment or get on the train. I tried to do everything correctly and started the legal process, but Chicago police were horrible (blaming me for what happened, among other things).
That April I attempted suicide and was hospitalized in a state psychiatric facility. The hospital was the most traumatic experience I've ever had, even more than the assault or police. You can probably imagine how awful a state psychiatric facility is, but if not, picture Shutter Island or some other horror movie asylum and you're not far off. Although I had my regular doctors and even the Canadian embassy requesting my release, the hospital doctors showed up too infrequently to assess or discharge me. When I did speak to any professional there, my interactions were disgusting beyond belief. One doctor said, "At least you're not being raped here." It was only when a doctor from another hospital visited that I was finally discharged.
Following the hospital, I was completely unable to work or go to school. I requested a medical leave, but the school cancelled my visa. With only months left in my program, I withdrew and moved back to my parents' house in Canada.
It's taken me a year of progress to feel like I am finally able to finish my degree. I discovered that I could complete it via distance in the school's online program. With my degree, I would be able to become certified in the career I've always wanted - - providing evidence-based, effective treatment for individuals with special needs. It would greatly increase my opportunities and my earning potential. It would be worth what I went through.
The only thing stopping me from finishing my degree and finally achieving my goal is the tuition. I took on a huge amount of debt to pursue this degree, but I only had enough for the two years that I was there.
I'm asking for help to pay for this final semester. I know that higher education is a privilege and that I've been extremely lucky to do any of this, and that I am not entitled to any of your money. Anything given would be a blessing.
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Organizer
Maeghan Davis
Organizer
Barrie, ON
