The Final PhD Push

I never thought I’d be doing this for myself, but I have a little over three months to finish my PhD and could use some help from friends and family. There aren't really scholarships available for Americans wanting to do a PhD in human rights (at least not in the conditions I'm in), so I'm using this in the hopes of creating something akin to my own scholarship. It is a last ditch effort – and admittedly it’s taking all the strength I have to be humble enough to ask for help. As some of you know, if I were going to chose a Biblical character I relate most to, it’s Jonah - pride is one of my greatest struggles. But I decided that I would take a leap of faith, and ask friends and family if they would partner with me.

I need to be able to focus full-time on the PhD for the final three months. Over the past (almost) four years, I’ve gotten scholarships and hustled, working multiple jobs and using up my savings to complete this dream. I’m so close to being done, but I can’t afford the time necessary to work multiple jobs, and I can’t afford rent, food, etc., without them. I know it’s a big ask, but I’m ultimately asking you to help me fulfill my dream. My PhD is important to me not just because it would allow me to teach in my areas of passion, but also because I find purpose in the subject of my PhD. My thesis is about how we appropriately harness capitalism and natural resources in post-conflict and post-authoritarian states, ensuring that international law and the economy work to alleviate poverty and to instill democracy and peace. I love my topic – still now, after all these years – and I want to honour the people whose stories are represented through it. I can only do that well by dedicating adequate time to finish this well.

The money I’m asking for is to cover my rent, living, food, and other related expenses through the end of September. The reason I have to ask so much is because of how bad the exchange rate is for the US dollar to the British pound (part of the reason that I’m towards the end of my rope financially). Ultimately, this works out to around 3500 GBP for the 3.5 months left. I couldn’t ask any of you individually for this, but I’m hoping that with the accumulation of smaller donations from a lot of friends and family, that this might work and allow me to finish the thesis well.

I can’t offer much in return as prizes. If I could, I wouldn’t be coming to you for help. So for everyone who donates $100, I've come up with ways that I hope you will recognize are still meaningful expressions are my eternal gratitutde.  If you donate $100 or more, I'll send you a copy of my thesis for all those moments when you think "I wonder what international investment law and/or international human rights law would say on this (try not to read it all in one sitting...) $500 (bake and ship cookies!), and $1000, where I ensure you get a token of appreciation from each place I go for the next year.

I’ll also be praying prayers of thanksgiving for you, but most of you probably already get those, so it’s not really an extra thing.  

I've named all the levels off my favorite cartoons from when I was a child, so that at some point I can figure out a more creative thank you around those.