Adriana, future LCSW

About two years ago I took a leap of faith and decided to follow my dreams, even though I felt like the odds were against me to be successful. I will be graduating with a Master's of Social Work Degree from the University at Buffalo this spring. During my final upcoming semester, I’ll continue working part-time as a graduate assistant, interning as a counselor, and going to school full-time. Unfortunately, most Social Work programs don't award stipends and this particular program requires 15 hours/week of unpaid internship on top of a full course load, which takes away from additional time that I could be working.

It makes me incredibly uncomfortable to even attempt crowdfunding my education, but I am now faced with barriers to my education that I wasn't expecting. Since I’m a single mother, I have to prioritize my money differently, so it’s been hard to save money on the side for things that are not considered a “necessity”. However, this new realization has been difficult for me to come to and accept, because I believe that my education should be considered a necessity and priority for the betterment of not only my future, but my son's future as well. 

I don't think I'm more special or deserving of donations than anyone else in my program, but I do believe that I am deserving of an equal chance at reaching my dreams, despite my socioeconomic status and life circumstances. I'm asking for your help with paying  for fees in order to become licensed in the field that I love. The total amount is $819. This includes the fees for a practice course, application, and exam.

The Social Work Licensing Examination Preparation Course is $295, more information can be found here: http://socialwork.buffalo.edu/continuing-education/training-registration/buffalo-training/details.html?training=SWLE053018

The application for Licensure fee is $294, more information can be found here http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/lmswforms.htm

The LMSW examination fee is $230, more information can be found here: https://www.aswb.org/exam-candidates/exam-registration/

I would greatly appreciate any help that you can offer. If you are unable to help, thank you for taking the time to read and share my post. Thank you for your time and your empathy! 

“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity." – Michelle Obama