Hello all! My name is Kathryn Rivera and I am originally from El Paso, Texas. Currently, I am a Junior at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York,  studying Political Science and Mathematics.  I have just been accepted to participate in the Hansard Scholars Programme in London, England. In conjunction with the London School of Economics, the prestigious and selective Scholars programme recruits students who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and to the improvement of democratic systems of government.  While this is an incredible opportunity, the cost of the program and the standard of living is far above what I can afford with my scholarships and jobs. Any money, whatsoever, is of great help to me and my family who have struggled so hard to help me get to where I am.

Growing up in the international border community of El Paso, Texas, foreign travel was both a regular feature of daily life and an inconceivable luxury of privileged lives unlike my own. The news of my potential travel to Europe would not only raise my grandparents from the dead but shock them back into their graves; yet, realizing a privilege they never dreamed of it is not the reason I would like this opportunity to study abroad. My college experiences have ignited in me a fierce desire to give voice to politically marginalized communities and to study the policies that would bring about equitable political realities for all. For this reason, the Hansard Programme is an ideal fit for both my specializations in college and my future personal and career goals.  The opportunity to work in Parliament and learn about another political system will aid my understanding of how to affect change at home.

The program starts on January 12th and funds up until and through April 20th are welcome! However, since I will be working, I have many fees that must be adjudicated expeditiously such as my Tier 4 visa. In other words, anything you can spare now would be critical to my aid.

Thank you immensely!
Kathryn  y La Familia Rivera