Help me fund my Masters at Columbia University

Hey everyone my name is Jeremy Raguain.

I am creating this GoFundMe after accepting an offer to study for a one-year Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University. Choosing to pursue this Master's degree, which aligns with my plans to serve Seychelles to the best of my abilities and at the highest level, was not an easy choice. This degree's focus of bridging the gap between scientists and policymakers convinced me that my liminal journey between environmental conservation and international politics is apt and needed. However, the cost of tuition ($100,486) and the living costs of New York City (approx $30,000) presented several hurdles to me.

While Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs named me an Environmental Fellow and offered me a significant fellowship that reduced my fees, it was only after negotiations that my tuition costs were further reduced to $45,486 and I could accept this life-changing offer. I am extremely grateful to the University and my program for providing me with this incredible support. Still, considering a decent salary in Seychelles is approximately $12,000 per year, it became clear that taking high-interest USD loans would not be sustainable for my long-term goals and undermine my vision. Furthermore, knowing that one USD ≈ 14 Seychelles Rupees I knew I would still be in a difficult position to finance these meaningful studies. Although I may still be forced to take out loans, I am doing my best to avoid and diminish them as much as possible. Reducing such loans will not only reduce my financial stress but also free me from seeking jobs that are solely focused on paying back loans and allow me to help Seychelles and other Small Island Developing as well as African States take on the climate and ecological crises sooner.

So, after consulting family and friends, and being supported in so many ways, I was convinced to find another way forward. This GoFundMe launched for my 29th birthday (05/05/2023), aims to raise the first installment and one-third of my fees, $15,000, by June 29th, 2023. Please note that if by any chance this sum is exceeded the excess will go towards the remainder of my fees.

This fundraiser is part of several other actions I am taking to finance this Master's degree which includes applying for grants and working part-time. I have also secured the help of a US-based charity, Friends of Seychelles, that will accept tax-deductible donations on my behalf. If you are a US taxpayer or business and would like to donate this way please contact me directly. Already I am extremely grateful to a donor who has committed $1,000 a month towards my living expenses in this way. Such a donation not only convinced me to ask for help but also reminded me how much people trust and believe in me and what I do.

Still, in these uncertain and difficult times, when there are many causes your time and resources could contribute to, I understand if you are unable to donate and appreciate any help, be it sharing this campaign or reaching out to me to let me know of other funding opportunities. In either case, I will be very grateful.

Ultimately, in my application for this graduate degree, I promised that investment in my development would generate dividends for not only myself but also my community, country and the program. I trust hard work will allow me to do what's needed and that virtuous cycles exist and are powerful when it comes to tackling individual and global problems. Moreover, I know that this interdisciplinary and hands-on degree can best channel my patriotism and passion for connecting people, problem-solving and nature into tangible skills that will allow me to become a shrewd leader for Seychelles and my generation. Consequently, I believe that seeking help today for this next step in my growth will always humble me and remind me of the beauty and meaning of community and kindness. Furthermore, to continue tackling the environmental crises we face and as means of showing my gratitude, I will share the knowledge I gain through fortnightly blogs chronicling my time at Columbia. These blogs will be publicly accessible via LinkedIn but also can be emailed to your inbox if you would like.

Lastly, as I end my explanation for this fundraiser and thank you for reading, I drop a short blurb (with links) of who I am and what I do below in case we have not crossed paths and you would like more information about my background and interests as well as plans for the future. If you would like to connect with me and further discuss my interests and plans that may intersect with yours please don't hesitate to reach out to me on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Thank you!

Short blurb:

I am a Seychellois conservationist and active citizen who graduated from the University of Cape Town South Africa with a Bachelor of Social Science in International Relations and Environmental Geographical Sciences and an Honors in International Relations in 2017. Upon returning to Seychelles in 2017 I worked with the Seychelles Islands Foundation to lead projects like the Aldabra Clean-Up and raise awareness on environmental issues. Concurrently, I also volunteered as an individual and member of the Global Shapers Community and Sustainable Ocean Alliance, working with young people in Seychelles and around the world on projects related to education and environmental protection. In the five years I was based in Seychelles, I was an active citizen who supported my community and spoke truth to power in national and international contexts. I have also contributed to several scientific studies (The costs of removing the unsanctioned import of marine plastic litter to small island states and Application of the Climate Vulnerability Index for Aldabra Atoll) and a collection of essays United We Are Unstoppable: 60 Inspiring Young People Saving Our World.

In 2022 I became an Alliance of Small Island States Fellow and relocated to New York City, serving as the Permanent Mission of Seychelles to the United Nation's Climate Change and Ocean Advisor until December. In this role I supported Seychelles' interests and negotiated on behalf of my home, other small island developing states and Africa within climate and ocean treaties while also continuing to be a youth and climate advocate at various international fora while supporting on-the-ground action in Seychelles.

After graduation, I aim to build on my almost seven years of experience working and volunteering with Seychelles' civil society and government, by exploring work within the private sector. I am particularly interested in corporate policy and environmental social governance as well as what role the private sector has in climate adaptation and ocean conservation. Depending on the amount I borrow I see myself working two to three years with a company that has the vision and integrity to do what's right for people, planet and profit. After such an experience I hope to work with the government of Seychelles, within the administration or through intergovernmental organizations like the United Nations or international NGOs like The Nature Conservancy.