Hello, I am Amanda, and I am fundraising to live overseas for two years while I undergo my Master's programme. It has been a longtime dream of mine to live in New Zealand and study island ecology. Why? I have a deep respect for Aotearoa. It is also my long-term goal to become a research ecologist. How species interact and collaborate in a rapidly changing biosphere is and will continue to be essential in our understanding.

Now, I am a little closer to making my dream an actuality. I recently was accepted into the Master's of Science by Thesis and Coursework in Ecology and Biodiversity at Victoria University of Wellington; however, I need funds to qualify for a student visa in NZ. Funds will go toward one year of living and educational financial support, either by helping out my sponsor's family or by helping me live independently.

My goal is to raise enough money in the next month-two months so that my visa can be processed in time before Trimester 1 starts in mid-February. It is a sizeable amount to fundraise in a short amount of time. However, any amount raised will help me get closer to achieving this dream.

I greatly appreciate your support.