Hi friends, a year ago I decided to uproot my life and head over to the UK to start my PhD in Classics and Ancient History. I'm trying to pioneer research into transmedia adaptation and classical reception in non-historical or mythological video games. My dissertation analyzes The Last of Us games and its TV show adaptation, and I'm examining the ways Greek epic and tragedy have made their way into its narrative via the production process and how the medium affects an audience's understanding of the narrative.

I was obligated to do this project in Europe as there aren't any PhD programs in the US that currently support historical video game studies. I applied for but didn't receive any funding for this 4-year project. So I decided to spend most of my savings to self-fund year 1. I've been having the most amazing experience of my academic life and I am so happy to be working toward this next degree. However, I still have 3 more years to go. Unfortunately, the University of Bristol itself does not have any funding for people who have already begun a PhD, the available finding is only for prospective students. So, the plan is to take out US student loans to cover the next few years, even as I continue to try to find and apply for potential funding from US/UK charities, foundations, and even gaming companies.

I have been applying for part time jobs in the UK, but with visa restrictions and scheduling conflicts with school, it's been very challenging to say the least. I was extremely hesitant to ask for help, from anyone, but I now find myself in the challenging position of running out of funds to keep me in the UK past June 2026. I'm not sure when exactly I will be able to get my student loans issued (the US govt is changing things a lot right now). In order to meet my UK student visa requirements, I must have a UK address and be able to make it to campus every 60 days.

And so, I am humbly asking for some financial assistance to help keep me in the UK over the summer so that I can make it to the autumn when I know I will have my loans in place. I will need to access these funds by July 1, 2026. I know the world is on fire and so many are struggling. It seems and feels really awful to have to ask for help when so many others are dealing with bigger issues than higher education. But any financial contributions I am able to raise will be used in addition to my loans to help me fund my dream PhD project that I designed and have dreamed about for the last half decade. If you are able to spare anything it would be so very much appreciated. And if you aren't able to contribute anything, I totally understand. Your emotional support and assistance in passing this call along would be all I ask. I am always happy to talk about my research and the projects I'm working on that relate to it, so please don't hesitate to ask! Thank you!