Greetings, I am Viisha P. Souza, a proud Kānaka Maoli who has spent most of my life in the Midwest. I am excited for the opportunity to obtain my PhD in a different country! For many years I did not know what to do with my life. After life's trials and tribulations I sat on my bed in 2013 wondering what I wanted to be when I grew up. Finally in my 30s, I decided to finish undergrad and from there I continued my education, earning a Master in Divinity and focusing on what to do afterwards. Because I'm a glutton for constant learning, I applied for New Leader's Council so I would have something to learn while waiting to hear if I'd get into a PhD program. In 2019, I applied to 6 PhD programs but was only waitlisted as the #1 applicant that I had deemed as my first choice. In the fall of 2020, I worked hard to get my application ready for the 2021 school year, again hoping I'd get into a program. After experiencing one of life's traumas, I allowed that trauma to be my motivation to push forward. I am excited about going to Canada to obtain my PhD in Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice starting in Fall 2021!Your help will assist me with moving expenses and housing and living expenses for my first year. Although I'll receive full tuition, Vancouver, Canada is one of the most expensive cities in North America. Where stipends are usually helpful, they rarely are enough in today's society. If you aren't able to donate... please feel free to share as helping someone fulfill their dreams and make them a reality can be rewarding!