Collective Support Needed: Bard MFA Program

Greetings Family, Friends, Beautiful Strangers, and Potential Donors,

Welcome to my GoFundMe! You either discovered this fundraiser through shared links on my and other social media platforms, direct messaging, word of mouth, or you’ve simply been following the adventures of La’Vender Freddy since 2019. Regardless of how we reached you, we’re honored that you’ve taken the time to visit this site and read about “What’s Going On?”

So, here’s the exciting news: I’m returning to school, and I’m bringing La’Vender Freddy along with me!

During the peak of this winter, I applied and interviewed for graduate school, and to my surprise, I’ve been accepted! Over the next three consecutive summers and two winter sessions of independent study, from 2025 to 2028, I’ll be immersed in an intensive program at the Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts, an affiliate of Bard College. My goal is to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Sound and Music. Here’s a proud little feature: this program is renowned as one of the ten most influential MFA programs globally!

Honestly, I’ve had many reservations about climbing the ivory tower and have been quite critical of the outcomes and contributions of such institutions to culture and social change.

There’s a lot about the education industry in this country that I still find difficult to reconcile. The current crisis within the Department of Education is just one reflection of that. But rather than let this chaos derail me, I’ve chosen to move forward with intention—and, hopefully, with greater wisdom. I’m approaching this moment as a chance to realign with a deeper purpose: to become someone who can support others meaningfully over the long term. Right now, this opportunity feels like a powerful and timely step toward that vision. This chapter feels like the heart of the invitation.

Now, I humbly request your assistance as I step into this new future.

Over the next three years, I aim to raise funds to help alleviate the costs of travel, tuition, food, and housing expenses. Your support would not only contribute financial assistance but also open an intimate door for you to join me on this back-to-school adventure, witnessing original and impactful art projects determined to nurture creativity, innovation, community, compassion, and encourage radical change.

Thank you for considering donating to this campaign. Even a small contribution will make a significant difference.

With all my love

and enthusiasm,

Ricardo, a.k.a.

La'Vender Freddy

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