Help me Stay Safe and continue my studies in NYC

Hello friends, family, and anyone reading this,

First, I want to thank you all for being part of my life and supporting me in this journey. Whether you’ve known me for years, months, or just gotten to know me, your encouragement is why I'm here.

I’m writing to share something important and, if you are able, ask for your help.

I’m an international student from Sweden, studying Musical Theatre in New York City at New York Film Academy. This is something I have dreamed about my entire life. But right now, due to the political situation in the United States, international students like me are facing a huge challenge. Over 1,500 students have already had their visas revoked, and many are being denied reentry into the U.S. If I leave the country this summer, there’s a real risk I might not be allowed back to finish my degree. This is why, for the first time in my life, I have decided to stay in the US for the summer.

Because of visa restrictions, I am not allowed to work outside of my school. While I work as a Student Ambassador through NYFA during the semester, what I earn is not enough to cover my basic needs for housing and food.

Why I’m reaching out:

I am asking for help to stay in New York safely and continue my education.

My first goal is to raise 15,242 SEK ($1,575 USD) to cover my housing costs by the end of May. For the future, I might need help to fund my tuition, but right now I’m focusing on keeping a roof over my head and affording food.

A little about what I've been working on here:

Since starting school, I have performed in five mainstage musicals (including Into the Woods, Starting Here Starting Now, [Title of Show], 9 to 5, and Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812), taken part in three original staged readings through our New Works Series (titled The Oliver Experiment, Paper Valley, and Room 238, respectively), and I have even started writing music for new musicals being developed by my fellow students. This kind of collaboration is exactly what I dreamed of when I moved here, and I am already making connections with faculty and professionals I hope to work with after graduation. I am building my future.

But none of that can continue without your support.

If you are able to donate even a little bit, it would mean the world to me. If even 5 people donate $5, that would give me groceries for 2 weeks. Every contribution helps me to stay safe, continue my work, and build a future as a creator and performer.

And, if you can’t donate, sharing this page with others would help a lot. ❤️

Anyone who donates will be mentioned on my YouTube channel, Instagram posts, and TikTok videos, as the reason why I am still here. I want to personally thank all donors, but if you want, you can remain anonymous. I am deeply grateful to every single person who is helping me through this.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for believing in me.

With love,

Filippa Sandlin

YouTube link

Instagram link

TikTok link

NOTE: I have to have it in SEK, but anyone that wants to help in USD, here is a conversion link!