Help Me Paint a New Future in Italy

I Hope You’ll Help Me Paint a New Future in Italy

My name is Jenna McRobb, and I am reaching out to ask for your support as I change my future and pursue a lifelong dream of attending art school in Europe.

I grew up on Salt Spring Island, surrounded by vibrant art, breathtaking landscapes, and, drugs. By the age of three, I was drawing and painting, and by 11, I was experimenting with drugs and alcohol. For years, my identity was intertwined with art and addiction.

At 20, I did my first stint in rehab at a treatment facility in Maple Ridge, BC. I never returned home, I completely left my old life behind and built a new one, a wonderful one rooted in sobriety. Without the chaos that had fueled my creativity, I struggled to reconnect with art, so I found purpose elsewhere—working in animal hospitals. I thrived, channeling my energy into a career in animal rescue and veterinary care, envisioning a future where I could help animals and make a difference.

But life took an unexpected turn. In 2020, I was diagnosed with multiple major chronic health conditions. These illnesses had no cure, leaving me unable to continue my career. I was told that I had to mourn the life I thought I would have. Finding answers about my health was liberating and devastating all at the same time, my mental health deteriorated and the emotional and physical toll spiraled into a relapse.

The past five years have been a journey of rediscovery, resilience, and hope. In a moment of surrender to my challenges—addiction, illness, and identity—I picked up a sketchbook. Two days later, I walked into an AA meeting that happened to be held in an artist community. There, I was offered sober studio space to reconnect with art, and for the first time in years, I felt like myself again. A missing piece of my soul returned.

I recently used Champix to quit smoking. An effective medication that is also known for causing severe mental health symptoms. I started having panic attacks and an unbearable fear of mortality, but as a result I experienced a profound shift: life is fleeting, precious, and worth living boldly.

When I was a young girl I would sit on my grandfather's tugboat, eating Salt Spring cheese, grapes, and charcuterie, sipping small tastes of red wine. I imagined myself living in Europe, painting, walking old streets, and soaking in history.

Today, that dream has transformed. While I can no longer drink wine or eat bread, I have two feet, a heartbeat, and a renewed passion for art. I want to walk the cobblestone streets of Rome, paint the beauty around me, and embrace the life I once thought was out of reach.

To make this dream a reality, I’m currently enrolled in a TEFL course to teach English as a foreign language online. This will allow me to work and support myself while managing my chronic health conditions during school. I eat, sleep and breathe italy, my every waking moment is focused on getting there.

There is not a single doubt in my mind that I will start my foundation year at Rome University of Fine Arts in October of this year because I no longer see any other option. To not go would be absurd. No matter what, I will find a way to get to my goal regardless of if anybody helps me along the way. But your support could help me bridge the gap, and give me the opportunity to get a little closer to my new future.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me closer to this life-changing experience. Thank you for believing in me and for helping me paint a brighter future.

With more gratitude than you can imagine,

Jenna