Carrying on the torch of service .

My name is Nicholas, and I’m going back to school to pursue a Master of Social Work at SUNY Albany — a step that builds on everything I’ve learned through yoga, service, and lived experience. This isn’t just about earning a degree. It’s about becoming the kind of advocate, guide, and healer that the world so urgently needs.

After years in the gig economy — walking dogs, working as a server, production assistant, actor, circus crew member, and even a sheep handler — I’ve decided to build something more stable. I want to create a life that not only sustains me but makes a real difference in the world.

To complete my MSW program at SUNY Albany, I’ll need to maintain two residences — one in Albany for school and one in NYC to stay connected to part-time work and my support system. This makes budgeting more complex, but I’m committed to making it work.

In the spring of this year, I’ll receive my Bachelor of Arts in Community and Human Services, with a concentration in Addiction Recovery and Wellness. I’m proud to be the first person in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree — and now, I’m preparing to be the first to earn a master’s.

In 2020, I earned my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) certification just as the pandemic hit. Our cohort quickly adapted to virtual learning and teaching, developing ways to connect with students across physical distance. That experience strengthened my commitment to accessible, ethical care and taught me the value of presence, adaptability, and compassion.

Now I’m ready to take that foundation further — to serve in clinical settings, support vulnerable populations, and become a licensed social worker. My dream is to integrate evidence-based care with mindfulness and somatic practices to support trauma recovery and long-term wellness.

I’m doing this in honor of my father — a Vietnam veteran whose life was marked by both service and struggle. I carry his name and his spirit with me. I want to help others in the way I wish he had been helped.

My Goal: $50,000–$76,000

I’ve set a goal range to reflect two possible paths:

$50,000 will cover basic living, transportation, and school-related expenses over the next two years.

$76,000 includes everything above plus tuition — which would allow me to graduate without debt and focus fully on my education and fieldwork.

Social work is not a high-paying field — but I didn’t choose this path for the paycheck. I chose it because I believe in justice, healing, and compassionate care. Your support will help me stay grounded, housed, and nourished while I complete this life-changing journey.

2-Year Estimated Expenses

Living Expenses

Rent (2 residences): $28,800

Utilities: $1,340

Groceries & Essentials: $12,120

Phone Bill: $960

Emergency/Incidentals: $2,400

Transportation

Used Car Purchase: $5,000

Car Insurance: $2,952

Education

SUNY Albany MSW Tuition (4 semesters): $26,000

Total w/ Tuition: $75,972

Total w/o Tuition: $49,972

Thank you for reading, and thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re able to give or simply share this campaign, I am so grateful for your support and encouragement. Every donation, every message, every act of kindness helps me carry this dream forward.