From Monastery to University

Why am I, at 29, just now trying to finish my BA?!

The answer is: I didn’t finish college before I entered a Carmelite monastery where I was for nearly 4 years until my health collapsed. Now, three years later, I finally feel like I’m ready to continue my academic pursuits. I am currently finishing a three-year scripture certificate program through the Emmaus Institute which has only served (in conjunction with my monastic formation) to increase my desire and determination to pursue Biblical Studies.

I’ve been accepted to Hebrew University, in Jerusalem, in order to finish my BA and then jump into their Biblical Studies MA, which is one of the best of its kind in the world! My goal is to have a career in which I can share with others the healing and enchanting beauty that can be found in the Biblical texts. I am also passionate about engaging in and deepening interreligious dialog and fellowship in a mutually beneficial manner. I hope to foster greater respect between peoples of different faith traditions and to contribute to a more peaceful world!

It’s been very difficult to find financial resources; very few scholarships are offered for students such as myself. I keep running into barriers; I am enrolled in a university outside the USA, I’m a returning student, I’m of the wrong heritage, my field of study is not supported. Also very challenging is that I will not be able to work in Israel with a student visa. I have been working two jobs, I have taken out the max amount of federal loans that I qualify for, but I still need additional funds to help finance my studies independently, as well as defray my living and healthcare expenses while I’m a student. I am in need of $4000 to pay off the remaining housing expenses and $6000 to cover my living and healthcare costs.

P.S. If anyone is interested in loaning rather than donating funds, I am happy to discuss this, please reach out through GoFundMe before August 4th. Thank you for considering my request and please keep my endeavors in your prayers. God Bless!