Help Amari Honor Her Mother's Legacy in Film

Thank you for taking some time to read about me!

My name is Amari and I graduated with my Bachelor's in Media and Cinema Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021. Since high school, I knew I wanted to pursue my master's in film. I realized pretty shortly after that I wanted to go to the University of the Arts London, where I also eventually studied abroad during my junior year of undergrad.

After graduating with my bachelor's, I moved back home to Chicago and struggled in many aspects of my life. I put off applying to my master's for a few years as I tried to help take care of my mother. She passed away last July and was my biggest supporter. I vowed to finally go after my dream to honor not only myself but her as well, as I know this is what she wanted for me.

I started doing my research and prep work for applying to the master's program in October of 2024. It was tough to navigate putting my efforts into this as I grieved and worked two jobs, but I was determined. I made many adjustments like vowing to have a low-buy year, selling and donating many of my items, canceling the majority of my subscriptions, budgeting even more, starting to create again (after years of convincing myself that my voice wasn't worth sharing), volunteering with a small production company, seeing through my first very own short film, and going on a social media cleanse for about five months to focus on my big goal. I turned in my applications in March. I did not think that everything would work out in my favor the way it has, but everything has fallen into place up until this point that I cannot help but feel that this is what is meant for me.

I received my acceptance in early June. I am elated and hopeful that my mother is proud of me.

I applied for FAFSA as well as a university scholarship but worry that I still do not have enough to cover tuition costs. Additionally, my household was simply my mom, my dog, and me, and now it's just me and my dog London (yes, that is her actual name. My mom dreamed of her name before I got her in 2020, and it felt so fitting since we both knew where I am destined to be). As she is truly my emotional support (I have been in therapy for 12 years and she got certified immediately), I will be taking her along with me for the move, which complicates a few aspects like flying there and renting. I know the cost of housing is very expensive, but overall the cost of doing this program is cheaper than almost any school I would have gone to in the United States, given this program is a year compared to the standard two-year programs in the U.S. I wish I had saved more, but there was a brief period of time where I lived on my own fully and had to support myself and help my mom, and since her passing, I have taken on some of her debts as her only child and still have to fully support myself and pay off my student loans. I have been picking up as many shifts as possible, trying to sell anything worth selling that I am not attached to, taking odd jobs like dog sitting, and scouring the internet for any other scholarships I am eligible for. I find asking for financial help the most uncomfortable, but my tuition deposit is due July 31st, 2025.

Any amount that you are willing to donate to help me make this move as smooth as possible is more than I can ask for. Thank you so much for taking a moment to read a brief synopsis on why this journey is so important to me and how you can help!