Study Trip To Prato - Italy

Dear friends,

My name is Pritha Khandhar, and I am currently a second-year student at Monash University Malaysia where I am double majoring in Writing and Gender Studies and minoring in Screen Studies. Recently, I have been accepted into a summer intensive program in Prato, Italy in November 2018. This immersive program in the Monash Prato centre is unique as not only would I forge deeper into my passion for writing; But also, I would delve deeper into the literary criticisms and Italy would transform into a site for self-discovery. I also plan on travelling within Europe on a budget after this program.  However, financial constraints limit my ability to study overseas. Fortunately, my grant covers my flight tickets, but my tuition fees and living costs are hurdles that I must overcome. With your help, I plan on raising AUD6000, which will approximately cover my accommodation, tuition fees, insurance, transportation within Europe, food expenses, mobile charges, winter clothing, medicines and any emergency expenses.

Backstory

When I was in college, I was in a slump- I felt lost, lonely and confused. This inner turmoil reflected in my grades and hindered any chances of a scholarship. Monash was not my first choice as the fees seemed daunting, but after a year of interning and working, I enrolled in an Arts and Social Sciences degree. My choice to study in Monash was faced with heavy criticism as it was beyond my budget, but with help from a relative, I was able to prove my case within the first semester itself. I achieved an average above 80% while holding and choreographing dances outside of Monash and tutoring to fund my personal expenses. I was able to continue my studies with this proven promise and I additionally received a partial sponsorship from Lions Club, and applied for a student loan. Though a relief, these fundings are not enough for my degree. My extracurricular commitments have only increased in my second semester as I joined the Monash Performing Arts Club as a council member and performed as a senior Bharatanatyam dancer under Kshetra Academy. I also collaborated on an article with my peer on Malaysia’s queer history.

https://www.queerlapis.com/brainwashed-to-believe-this-land-is-not-queer/

Why Me?

My journey through my first year at Monash has been an emotional, physical and mental challenge as I balanced my duties as a student, performer, tutor and daughter on a tipping scale. It was a personal choice that drove me to balance endless hours of studying, working and rehearsing as I believed that my financial situation should never impede my ability to excel as an individual.

Recently, my financial limitations have led me to believe that my endeavours to aim for overseas opportunities are selfish and overzealous. My friends and family have tried to convince me otherwise, giving me some hope for this intensive program. An entire semester abroad would have been beyond my expectations, but even this program is difficult to finance. With your contributions, I would be able to focus better on my upcoming semester rather than spread myself thinner over my already packed schedule.

Goals

My career goal, inspired by the National Geographic, has always been to write and to travel. This intensive program would enhance my skills as a writer in a foreign culture within my major and externally as I plan on documenting my travels. I have highlighted my goals below:

1.     Personal Growth

Travelling has long been regarded as an avenue for personal growth. Immersing myself into a foreign culture would not only test my adaptability and level of interaction but would also give me an insight on how different cultures each hold a significant place- socially, historically and politically- in this world.
My tutoring is only enough to fund my daily expenses. I strive to be financially independent as it would be of great relief to my parents as well, who still need to support my younger siblings’ education.

2.     Academic Enrichment

First-hand experience overseas will compliment what I study currently, and will greatly inspire me to write further, within my major, and externally in a blog I plan on creating.

3.     Back to Community

Growing up in Malaysia, a colourful multicultural nation, has been a blessing. Perhaps not many of us have the opportunity to look beyond our borders for education, but when given the chance, I would love to share the memories and experiences made with my peers, friends and family back home. Travelling is a gift bestowed to the luckiest of all, and to show the merits of one’s gift is an inspiration to others.

So, friends, I humbly ask of you to help me rekindle my dreams to write again, to dream, discover and reflect.

“The world is not in your books and maps, it’s out there”- Gandalf, The Hobbit