Support Shayan's Dream in this Politicized Mess

Despite larger political and economic issues that are making my dream near impossible, (i.e. Music Censorship in Iran, US Sanctions, & the Travel Ban) I am creating this campaign with hope that it will help me continue pursuing my music study. My name is Shayan Karimi, and I moved to Boston from Tehran less than two years ago. I am a singer-songwriter/producer in my second year at Berklee College of Music studying Music Production and Engineering.

BERKLEE SCHOLARSHIP, WORKING AND TUITION COSTS:

I am extremely grateful for a partial scholarship from Berklee. This initially motivated me to leave behind my degree program in Industrial Engineering in Tehran, in order to follow my lifelong dream of being a professional musician. Until now, the Berklee scholarship has covered a part of my tuition and my family has helped to pay the remaining balance. I have also worked the maximum allowed hours for an international student to cover daily living expenses. However, at this point, unfortunately, I cannot afford Berklee tuition to continue my studies anymore.

ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CRISIS IN IRAN/U.S. SANCTIONS:

Right now the economy of Iran is greatly affected by recently re-imposed US Sanctions on November 5, 2018. This caused the Iranian currency to depreciate to ⅕ of what it used to be when I arrived here to study, and thus my savings decreased drastically. The currency exchange rate went from 30,000 Rials = 1 USD to 150,000 Rials= 1 USD. Iranians are now struggling a lot with this depreciation of the currency, unemployment, access to healthcare and needed medicines, not to mention broader psychological impacts.

Because of these political frictions between the US and Iran, most Iranian students are facing great difficulties receiving family support and/or financial transactions to continue their education as planned. I am facing this same issue with my three remaining semesters at Berklee.

Here is one article detailing more on the sanction.

TRAVEL BAN:

If I cannot afford to pay my tuition, I will not be allowed to continue my degree, and subsequently, I will have to leave United States in a very short time. Due to the Travel Ban, I won’t be able to return to US, even if in future I find some way to pay for my remaining credits at Berklee.

While there was initial blockage of this policy, the third executive order was upheld in late June 2018 by the Supreme Court. This ban effects 7 countries, including Iran. Here's an article from NYTimes , illustrating more details about the Travel Ban.


MUSIC IN IRAN:

In Iran, music is very restricted. Some genres, like rock and hip hop are nearly banned altogether, especially if they contain English lyrics, and there are many restrictions and censorship on music, art and creative rights. That is why I came to study here in the US.

AS A MUSICIAN AND A STUDENT…(NEW MUSIC):

I have been working hard as a musician and student. While maintaining good grades, I have 2 EP’s coming out in the next year. One with my band, INKLINKS, and one as a solo artist. All of this will be impossible if I go back to Iran.

HOPEFULNESS:

I am passionate about making music that has a positive effect on people’s lives. I aspire to better people’s lives with my music which is why I have performed at and organized various non-profit and charity concerts and will continue to do so if given the chance.

Now I need your help to continue this path...

I’m very hopeful, and I think even in horrible situations something amazing can happen and have a positive impact. To share my hopefulness with you I’m sharing a stripped down performance of one my songs called “Hang On”.


Click here  for more music!


HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE SPENT:

The funds will be spent on my tuition costs and school fees for the current and upcoming semesters.

The amount needed for fall 2018 and spring 2019 semesters are essential to keep my visa status ($14400)

Fall 2018: $6,700 (I still have outstanding balance from my last semester.)

Spring 2019: $7700

Summer 2019: $5610

Fall 2019: $8500

Total: $28,510


Sincerely, thank you so much,

Shayan