Help Katia Finish Her Final Year of University

Dear Friends and Family,

I am a filmmaker, writer, and singer in the final stretch of my degree. I’ve built my education and creative practice from the ground up, fully supporting myself along the way. I’m now facing a time-sensitive burden that could stop me from continuing, but I’m doing all I can to stay on track, finish strong and building a sustainable, purpose-driven career in the arts.

For the past two years, I’ve been juggling multiple jobs while studying full-time, to the point of taking a year off to save enough just to stay enrolled. I’ve worked hard to carry this dream forward and done my best to see it through to the end.

Midway through my second year, I lost my main source of income in the middle of my most demanding semester yet, while writing and directing two major projects at once. Since then, I’ve refused to give up and risk losing the progress I’ve made.

Before and during my studies I was on the search for student loans and financial aid, but because of my international status and the structure of my program, most weren’t accessible. Now, I’ve finally found a loan option that could support me through my third year, but the process is moving too slowly.

My school requires the remaining tuition from my second year to be paid off (or a significant dent made) within the next several weeks or I risk being withdrawn from my studies and unable to continue.

This school has offered me the opportunities to pave the way for the rest of my life and artistic career with film and music.

Many of you have supported me in various ways throughout this process and I’m so grateful.

As vulnerable as it feels to make the urgency of my situation public, I want to give you the opportunity to invest in my future and support if you feel connected to my story. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to move towards these goals in spite of the barriers I’ve faced.

My Story

Before film school, I travelled to Sydney, Australia and found inspiration from strong international friendships, a vocational diploma where I explored singing, songwriting and my spiritual journey and beginning to get experience in beginner filmmaking as well.

That gap period before my degree led me to the international city of Berlin where I could keep growing creatively and collaborate with others from diverse backgrounds in my program. I was drawn to the school because of the unique structure it offers, merging filmmaking, writing, and music production.

From the start, I’ve done my best to be intentional and disciplined in my studies. It was extremely difficult supporting myself financially, but I worked in childcare, special education, cleaning, transcription, and more just to stay enrolled. Despite the challenges of being a full-time student I’ve still done my best to consistently cover my tuition, rent, and other expenses.

What I’ve Learned

My storytelling and filmmaking have grown in ways I could never have imagined. With access to professional gear, studios, and production crews, I’ve been able to experiment, collaborate, and refine what I’m doing. I’ve found a creative community that has shaped and inspired me. I’m so thankful for the tutors, peers, and crew-mates who push me to grow and believe in what I’m building.

The Setbacks

There were moments where I didn’t know if I could continue. I had to take time off of my studies, but I tried to view it as a chance to reset and return with more clarity on my educational and artistic goals. When I finally secured a job that could sustain me, it felt like a hopeful turning point. However, halfway through my most intense semester, the company I worked for suddenly cut pay and job assignments for employees without warning. This left me without a sufficient income at the worst possible time.

The combination of academic deadlines and financial instability became overwhelming. Despite doing everything I could to recover and replace my income even up to this point, the impact was too big and too sudden.

The Current Situation

With my search for student loans and relief funding I kept coming up empty. I finally believed I had found a loan program that could potentially support me through my final year, but the duration of the process is uncertain and is moving too slowly to cover the outstanding funds that are needed now.

My school requires that I pay off my remaining tuition balance from the second year within the next three weeks. This has left me feeling powerless and at a loss for how I will be able to cover the costs.

How You Can Help

I’m asking for support in overcoming this financial barrier in completing my education.

Your contribution will directly cover:

€7,500 – Remaining Tuition Balance from my second year

€2,500 – Education Related Expenses (third year enrollment Fees, required health fees, and essentials)

This will give me the chance to enroll in my final year, focus on my work, and graduate with the degree I’ve fought for.

Any amount, no matter how small, makes a real difference. If you’re not in a position to give, simply sharing this or sending encouragement means the world to me.

With your support I can continue learning, creating, and moving closer to a future where I get to tell the stories that inspire, connect, and reflect the diverse world we live in.

To everyone who has encouraged me, worked alongside me, and supported me along the way I appreciate your support and could not have come this far without you. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply meaningful, and I’m not ready to give up now.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Every donation, share, or message of support truly helps me get one step closer.

With Love,

Katia

The following is a link to a teaser for one of my most recent projects!

Vignette Trailer