Help an international student pursue a dual degree

Hi, my name is Shah Ahsan, and I’m an international student from Canada with a dream of obtaining both a law and graduate degree in the United States of America.

Ever since I was little, I wanted to obtain as much education as possible to further my growth and ability to contribute to meaningful causes. With two parents that are physically disabled as a result of chronic illness, and my dad suffering from a herniated disc in his back as a result of a car accident that took place a few years ago, I have worked hard to want something more for myself. My mother also underwent a recent surgery that did not go as planned, making it impossible for her to walk more than 20-minutes at a time.

Consequently, both of my parents rely on public assistance to meet their most basic needs. Any savings accumulated will be donated to my housing as a student – but that’s all they can afford to contribute. My parents are strong and brave individuals, selfless to the core. Their generosity and drive every day inspire me to work hard to achieve more for myself.

I have studied as hard as possible, earning acceptance into a four-year Juris Doctor/Masters of Science in Real Estate (JD/MSRE) dual degree program at the University of San Diego. With a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Criminology, as well as someone who graduated with distinction, I have been on the Faculty of Art’s Dean List on three separate occasions. I have also been an executive member of the Ryerson Law Network and contributed to the development and growth of the Spanning of Gaps as Peer Academic Support worker for the Chang School of Continuing Education. I have also volunteered in various nonprofits, including Amnesty International.

In addition to my academic achievement, I also have real-world experience. Upon graduation, I worked at a legal technology startup for two years before taking on my current role in a medium sized law firm. I know what hard work looks like, and I’m ready to put it to the test by achieving my ultimate dream of obtaining both a law and graduate degree.

The University of San Diego has been kind enough to grant me a Dean’s Honor Scholarship at the School of Law, which covers nearly all of the Juris Doctor degree. To the University of San Diego, I am very humbled. This scholarship is only awarded to the strongest admitted full-time students enrolling at the School of Law at the University of San Diego, which amounts to $156,000 over three years.

At this time, I am unable to afford to the other portion of the degree, the Masters of Science in Real Estate (MSRE).

The Costs
The total tuition of the MSRE program is $50,000.
To cover these costs, I am looking to raise exactly $50,000 through this campaign.

Due to the costs of attending college in the U.S., I may not be able to afford my acceptance into the University of San Diego. The conversion from Canadian dollars to US dollars has made tuition out of reach for a student of regular means to attend this program, which at its very essence, is something that goes completely against what the United States of America stands for.

I am determined to not let something like money come in between what I have worked for and am capable of achieving. I want to add to the fabric of diversity at this university where I know my experience, ideas, and work ethic can contribute to a graduating class of students ready to impact the world for the better. I want to prove to myself and my parents that no matter what kind of adversity we may come from, we are all capable of greatness.

Extra Money Raised
In the event the goal amount is exceeded in this campaign, all proceeds will be donated towards the following charitable causes:

Children of Fallen Patriots Organization: This incredible nonprofit provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Their vision is to ensure every child has the necessary college funding to achieve education, no matter their financial standing.

Homes for Our Troops: This nonprofit builds and donates adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 veterans, enabling them to rebuild their lives. Since the veterans have sustained injuries like amputations or paralysis, they have specific needs with regards to housing.

More About the Program
As I have mentioned, the JD/MSRE is one of the only dual degree programs available in the world – there are only a handful of schools in the U.S. that offer this kind of degree option.

As I ask you to donate to my cause, I want to provide you with as many details as possible.
The prestige of this program is important.

MSRE Rankings:
CollegeChoice.Net ranking: #16 – Top Masters in Real Estate Programs in the US
 https://www.collegechoice.net/rankings/best-masters-in-real-estate-degrees/

College Factual ranking: #1 – top real estate colleges in the US.
https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/real-estate/rankings/top-ranked/

Best Masters: #26 – Globally – Best Masters in Real Estate Management
https://www.best-masters.us/ranking-master-in-usa/master-real-estate-management-construction.html

I Need Your Help
I am at the end of the resources my hard-working family can provide for me. I believe that higher education is something we should all be able to access, which is why I need your help. I can’t do this without you, and I thank you for your consideration and generosity. I will work as hard as possible to emerge from this program with respect, knowledge, and gratefulness to you and everything you have enabled a willing student to do.

If you cannot donate, I ask that you share my story to your social media. Any awareness helps.
Thank you for your consideration. God bless.

Shah Ahsan