My Journey
Hi, I'm Corinne, and I'm going to grad school! If you know anything about me, it's that I love to grow - growing food, and growing communities. My entire career has been service-focused, from my time with the Domestic Violence Network, to Conservation Corps, to teaching English in Spain. I recently received the incredible news that I was accepted to the graduate program of my dreams in the UK, and I need help filling the gaps.
The Program
The program is an MSc in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security at Newcastle University. They have access to top-tier grow systems and test fields where I'll be working closely with farmers and teams that help people grow more efficiently in variable environments. With my background in communication I hope to help shift the constant panic narrative that comes with a changing climate into actionable solutions with a hopeful message.
My Vision
My goal is to ultimately become an advocate for farmers and a catalyst for change, and work directly with lawmakers to support farmers. The world is transforming at a rapid pace, which means the way we grow crops and what we grow is changing every single year. Without access to cutting-edge information and support, farmers lose land, valuable crops, and income sources.
My Experience
I fell in love with the UK and Ireland during an unpaid internship in the summer of 2024 where I learned firsthand what it takes to run a full-scale farm. I lived in a shared room, hand-plowed fields, and met with local farmers. Since returning to Indianapolis, I've been working more than full-time to make ends meet, but as life so often does, unexpected challenges have arisen, and I'm asking for some support.
Financial Situation
I have received a scholarship that will cover a small portion of the tuition, and I will continue to work 50+ hour weeks while in Indianapolis, I know it's a big ask and I appreciate anything that is contributed. My hope is that with help, I can fill the gaps that come with immigrating so I can focus on earning enough to cover living expenses while I'm in the UK, along with student loans.
Finding a suitable job in Indianapolis has been a major struggle these past couple of months despite trying everything, this will allow me to focus on the jobs I have and ensure the immigration process goes as smoothly as possible.
Specific Needs
Funds I am needing help with:
$490 for the visa
$1,035 for the National Health Service
$1,500 for my Newcastle deposit to start the semester
$800-1,000 for a plane ticket to the UK
$1,000 for first month's housing costs
More Information
About the visa: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
About my degree: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/5237f/
My substack (If you want to read about some of my work in Ireland): https://coriwithastory.substack.com/
Closing Thoughts
Thank you so much for your support. My whole heart and family are in Indianapolis, and it's really difficult for me to ask for help, but the difference this would make would mean the world to me in so many ways. Anything contributed helps, and I really can't say thank you enough, it’s humbling to ask for help especially in this day and age, I love and appreciate you.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Organizer
Corinne Herndon
Organizer
Indianapolis, IN