Last month, I was so excited to announce that I was selected for a fully funded position at the Under the Volcano speculative fiction workshop in Mexico. I was looking forward to support other classmates' fundraisers. And now I'm stuck seeking help myself, because according to the new US visa laws implemented in the last week of September, I can no longer return home to New York City directly from Mexico but have to visit India and get my visa updated. I also have to get a separate visa for Mexico, which I originally didn't think I'd have to. So suddenly this trip is no longer fully funded, and I'm looking at thousands of dollars to be spent in a very short time.

I'm a freelance writer and editor surviving in possibly the most unaffordable city in the world. Thanksgiving/holiday season is always tight, because I have to stock up on household essentials for the entire year. Unlike many of my Indian friends I don't visit India every year, simply because vacations aren't something I can afford often. I will possibly be working through the holidays, but this sudden expense has severely rattled my finances. This Thanksgiving season, if you're able to chip in to make this load lighter, I would appreciate it immensely!