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Dear Compassionate Community,
I come before you today with an urgent plea. My name is Tah-jai Sharpe, and as I reflect upon the trials and triumphs of my journey, I realize there is so much more to accomplish. With a heavy heart, I reach out to you in this time of great need, hoping you will extend a helping hand. In recent months, I have faced unimaginable challenges. Shortly after meeting with a clinical research opportunity to discuss my visa status, I was unexpectedly laid off. Determined to pursue my dreams, I began my journey to complete my Master of Public Service and start my first year of law school this fall.
Throughout my year, despite, my visa limitations prevent me from working, leaving me without any means to afford the basic necessities of life. Each passing day brings a mounting burden as I struggle to put food on the table, pay my bills, and cover expenses related to returning to school. The constant juggling act of managing my health, finances, academic pursuits, and future aspirations naturally affected my ability to truly thrive in my environment. I recall at 1 am the morning of the LSAT exam, I heard my very first tornado warning and thunderstorm watch since being in America. Despite the setbacks and uncertainties, I remained determined to sit the exam and pursue law school. I have been accepted to 4/5 of my schools.
I am committed to completing my Master's program and starting my 1L year in law school, firmly believing that these educational endeavors will equip me with the knowledge and skills to make a profound difference in the lives of others. In my pursuit of this noble path, I have reached out to the University in hopes of securing future job positions that will provide much-needed financial stability alongside the scholarship. I’m unable to request student loans as an international student.
Despite exhausting every resource available to me, I've discovered the harsh reality that scholarships for international students are scarce, and I am unable to receive unemployment benefits. My journey thus far has been marked by a deep-rooted passion for research and a burning desire to address health disparities that plague marginalized communities. During my freshman year at Howard University, I established Mentoring Youth & Teens' Health (MYTH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young individuals and raising awareness about mental health in underrepresented communities. The impact we've made has been profound, but I yearn to do more. Currently, I am finishing my first year of my Master's at the Clinton School of Public Service, serving at the University for Peace, UN-mandated. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to represent Jamaica as Finland in the UN Human Rights Committee for the Model UN. This journey not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but also allowed me to embrace the perspective of a country I knew very little about. As a first-time participant, I enthusiastically immersed myself in the Finnish culture and understood their unique human rights challenges. This experience taught me the importance of empathy and the power of putting oneself in someone else's shoes. I'm immensely grateful for the support and guidance I received from fellow delegates and the committee chair. Together, we crafted resolutions that aimed to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by nations around the world. Participating in UPMUNC 2024 not only expanded my knowledge of global human rights issues but also provided me with an opportunity to build connections with passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds. I'm excited to continue advocating for equity and justice, inspired by this transformative experience.
If you find it within your heart to read my plea, consider supporting me in turning my dreams into reality. Your donation, no matter how small, will carry immeasurable significance. And if you are unable to contribute financially, I implore you to share this campaign with your loved ones, amplifying the reach of my humble request. Together, our collective kindness can pave the way for me to pursue my MPS/JD this fall. From the depths of my being, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity and for being a beacon of hope in my life. Let us join hands and create a lasting legacy of positive change.
With sincere thanks,
Tah-jai Sharpe
I come before you today with an urgent plea. My name is Tah-jai Sharpe, and as I reflect upon the trials and triumphs of my journey, I realize there is so much more to accomplish. With a heavy heart, I reach out to you in this time of great need, hoping you will extend a helping hand. In recent months, I have faced unimaginable challenges. Shortly after meeting with a clinical research opportunity to discuss my visa status, I was unexpectedly laid off. Determined to pursue my dreams, I began my journey to complete my Master of Public Service and start my first year of law school this fall.
Throughout my year, despite, my visa limitations prevent me from working, leaving me without any means to afford the basic necessities of life. Each passing day brings a mounting burden as I struggle to put food on the table, pay my bills, and cover expenses related to returning to school. The constant juggling act of managing my health, finances, academic pursuits, and future aspirations naturally affected my ability to truly thrive in my environment. I recall at 1 am the morning of the LSAT exam, I heard my very first tornado warning and thunderstorm watch since being in America. Despite the setbacks and uncertainties, I remained determined to sit the exam and pursue law school. I have been accepted to 4/5 of my schools.
- University of Hawaii
- Thurgood Marshall School of Law
- Widener Law Commonwealth
- Bowen School of Law
- Tulane University - waitlisted
I am committed to completing my Master's program and starting my 1L year in law school, firmly believing that these educational endeavors will equip me with the knowledge and skills to make a profound difference in the lives of others. In my pursuit of this noble path, I have reached out to the University in hopes of securing future job positions that will provide much-needed financial stability alongside the scholarship. I’m unable to request student loans as an international student.
Despite exhausting every resource available to me, I've discovered the harsh reality that scholarships for international students are scarce, and I am unable to receive unemployment benefits. My journey thus far has been marked by a deep-rooted passion for research and a burning desire to address health disparities that plague marginalized communities. During my freshman year at Howard University, I established Mentoring Youth & Teens' Health (MYTH), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young individuals and raising awareness about mental health in underrepresented communities. The impact we've made has been profound, but I yearn to do more. Currently, I am finishing my first year of my Master's at the Clinton School of Public Service, serving at the University for Peace, UN-mandated. This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to represent Jamaica as Finland in the UN Human Rights Committee for the Model UN. This journey not only pushed me out of my comfort zone but also allowed me to embrace the perspective of a country I knew very little about. As a first-time participant, I enthusiastically immersed myself in the Finnish culture and understood their unique human rights challenges. This experience taught me the importance of empathy and the power of putting oneself in someone else's shoes. I'm immensely grateful for the support and guidance I received from fellow delegates and the committee chair. Together, we crafted resolutions that aimed to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by nations around the world. Participating in UPMUNC 2024 not only expanded my knowledge of global human rights issues but also provided me with an opportunity to build connections with passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds. I'm excited to continue advocating for equity and justice, inspired by this transformative experience.
If you find it within your heart to read my plea, consider supporting me in turning my dreams into reality. Your donation, no matter how small, will carry immeasurable significance. And if you are unable to contribute financially, I implore you to share this campaign with your loved ones, amplifying the reach of my humble request. Together, our collective kindness can pave the way for me to pursue my MPS/JD this fall. From the depths of my being, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your generosity and for being a beacon of hope in my life. Let us join hands and create a lasting legacy of positive change.
With sincere thanks,
Tah-jai Sharpe
Organizer
Justice Brown-Duo
Organizer
Little Rock, AR