Help Ashawn Reach Hollywood Heights!

Peace and love! My name is Ashawn Rose, I am a proud graduate of Brooklyn College as of January 2024. I graduated with a BA in the Arts and a minor in Acting. I was recently accepted into California Institute of the Arts for their Master’s program in Acting. I created this GoFund Me to raise money to help cover my school tuition. Though I got a merit-based scholarship and will be taking out a loan I still do not have enough to cover the cost of attendance. I am truly grateful for all your support!!!

If you would like to hear more about my journey and CalArts, please read here:

Life is a journey, not a destination.

My journey began in January of 2020 when I took my very first acting class. While growing up I was never one that liked attention, I shied away from the spotlight whether it be on the basketball court or the leader of a group presentation. Having all eyes on me made me nervous growing up and still makes me somewhat nervous to this day.

After my first class in 2020, I learned that nervousness comes with the gig and it’s about taking those jitters and that angst and using it to embody this character that I am trying to present to the world. Sadly, Covid put a halt to my plans as I wanted to continue taking these acting classes, but Covid did change my life for the better. Up until that point I had graduated Morrisville State College with a 3.7 GPA with an Associate degree in Computer Science. The initial plan was to continue my computer science degree while minoring in acting, but after a few classes I realized that my passion was for acting. The very next semester I changed my major and haven’t looked back since.

Throughout those years despite having to take out student loans and working two jobs, I was able to graduate with honors from Brooklyn College with a Bachelors in the Arts. Though I graduated, I faced many obstacles during my time there. As a theatre major, you have to go great lengths to get cast in projects within the school as acting majors get top priority. Fortunately, during this time, I was able to be a part of a few projects in and outside of Brooklyn College.

However, in those years I learned how to manage my time wisely, develop networking skills and got the opportunity to work on more than just the craft of acting. Today, I have the opportunity to continue my journey by going to one of the most prestigious art schools in the country.

Why CalArts? With an acceptance rate of 25 percent, nicknamed the “Julliard of the West”, located 30 miles away from Hollywood, I’ll have access to the film industry. With notable alumni such as Don Cheadle, Tim Burton, David Hasselhoff , Ed Harris, and more, I get to learn what it takes to be a great actor and have the opportunity to work with the next generation of filmmakers.

Though the school may be phenomenal it does cost. Tuition is roughly $58,000 and to dorm on campus is another $12,000. I would have to move off-campus so that I would be able to cut some of the costs, which means that I would have to uproot my life and build a whole new foundation in California for the next three years.

By supporting my GoFundMe campaign, you’re not just helping me pay for my tuition; you’re investing in the power of education which can transform lives. Your generosity will not only just enable me to pursue my academic journey, but I will be another step closer down the road for success.

Thank you for your support!