Hi dear ones,

Thank you for checking out my page. I am humbled to be doing this, but I am so close to completing my master's and making the career change I’ve dreamed of for so many years. I’m finally making the jump from my career in hospitality to one in humanitarian aid via global health. It’s been a long time coming, and now it is just around the corner.

As many of you know, I have been remotely attending Northwestern University working to acquire my Master’s in Global Health. Working full-time, and attending online classes has consumed most of my time over the past two years. If you live close to me you are no stranger to my declining events (or my arriving to them empty-handed and in PJs), my panicked calls to review a paper due in a matter of hours, and my endless tirades on the most pertinent issues facing global health today. There may have been a few total breakdownS tossed in there too. To wrap up the degree I am required to spend at least 4 weeks in the field, observing and learning from those on the ground, fighting the “good fight”.

The plan is for me to leave for Uganda on March 1st, beginning work with my partner organization on March 4th. Most students have more prep time for this practicum, but mine was placed on hold while we watched a waited for a devastating outbreak of Ebola to come under control. Until just a few days ago, this outbreak could have forced me to abandon hopes of Uganda, and recalibrate my practicum in a different country. Fortunately, I received the green light for Uganda just days ago.

While this experience will be invaluable to my education, it is unfortunately a large financial burden. As a single adult living on my own, I will still be responsible for all my living expenses while I am away. This includes rent, car payments, school tuition, regular bills, and care for my feline sidekick, Obi. Most unfortunately, due to the length of time I’ll be away, I have also had to tender my resignation at work, meaning I will also have the added cost of insurance while away and my future upon return is uncertain.

I am diligently applying to every scholarship I can but I am just 6 weeks out from departure and the burden of this is looming heavy. So here I am, with my hat in my hands.

I will be sending postcards from Uganda and offering special updates to anyone who can contribute. And of course, any funds that go unused will be donated directly to the organizations I work with while in the country.

Please reach out with any questions, I’d love to chat more.