Get Dana to Graduation!

Hi There!

My name is Dana N. Moore. I'm a NJ native and mother of two, a quarter-time religious educator, and a full-time student pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Starr King School for the Ministry.

Yes, Grad School is tough, friends!

Like any good rigorous academic program, it has stretched me thin, challenged my limits, and increased my capacity in all areas of life. Studying religion, the nature of God and the Divine, ministry, and preparing to care for others has ripped my spirit open, filled it with passion - questions - love - and grace, then sealed me back up again and again and again.

Applying to and attending seminary has always been a faith walk for me - a true calling of the spirit that seemed almost impossible at the start. I did not have an undergraduate degree, no personal financial reserves, no generous benefactors, and I had no idea how I would fund it with my own daughter's matriculation to college the following year. I had to trust the universe, the undeniable urging of the divine to take a step in the direction of my calling, and its promise that all would be well, that the needs would be met, and that clarity would come. Loans, requests, essays, scholarships, prayers, and more loans have made it possible to cover all but $799.00 of my institutional fees!! NOTE: I have found that when I walk in faith, every moment feels exciting and new, every inch of progress/movement like a miracle, and every being with a breath of wisdom a divine blessing.

Suddenly, 4 years have flown by and I am ready to Graduate... a full 2 years ahead of my planned timeline!!!!

My goal was to take it slow - those who've shared time with me have heard me say "If I'm going to pay $90K for a degree, then I'm going to ENJOY it!" And I have done just that:

I've balanced work, school, family, community service, relationships, surgeries, and serious health threats, all while staying deeply engaged and committed to my studies. And now it is time to join the ranks of scholars before me, to transgress a new threshold and Graduate!!

I hear that every student dreads receiving notice of an outstanding balance that might delay the display of that long-awaited diploma! Right now, a humble $799 looms over my moment this May -- and maybe a few fees for a Hood, Cap, and Gown!? I would be most grateful for your support to help "Get Dana to Graduation!" All donations in excess of my remaining balance will support my:

Donations that exceed my goal will support my celebration of this milestone! I welcome you to share encouragements on how I might use those funds, examples include:

Be creative and I'll happily keep you updated with pics and thank yous!