Help Tasha to stay at York University
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Hi, I am Tasha Gaye Saunders, a 19-year-old student in the process of completing my undergraduate degree in Canada. I want to thank and welcome you to my gofundme page. I am trying to raise money to cover the cost of my international tuition fees so I can continue my education. I live in Jamaica and am desperately trying to find a way to stay in school. As it currently stands, I will have to drop out if I cannot come up with the amount required for my tuition. I am kindly asking that you take a minute or two to read and share my story.
Who am I?
My name is Tasha Gaye Saunders, but you can call me Tasha. I am a second-year sociology student at York University, with plans to apply to law school one day.
I chose sociology as my undergraduate study area because I have always been interested and heavily involved in social justice issues. Throughout my life, I have advocated for those who have no voice or opportunity to speak up for themselves. I have always been actively involved in bettering my community. In high school, I launched an ‘anti-bullying march and organized counselling sessions for young girls. I also served in the leadership position of Head Girl. Currently, I am working on forums and weekly programs geared towards motivating young adults. Pursuing a degree in sociology gives me the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics. These topics will help me become a more informed and critical lawyer. I can and will make a change in the world.
Studying at York University has been a privilege. Although I had to adjust to remote learning, I was able to attend all my classes, and complete my exams, research papers and assignments with outstanding grades. The faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies recognized my academic success and recruited me to become a peer mentor to other students. Despite my academic success, I may not be able to continue my studies in the fall.
Being an international student is very costly. Due to Covid-19 and limited family resources, I am unable to afford the required tuition fees. When I got accepted at York University, I knew I would be taking on a massive debt in order to pursue post-secondary education. I applied for many loans here in Jamaica but was turned down by every financial institution. Since the start of the pandemic, it has been increasingly difficult to obtain a large loan, especially given the turbulent and fragile state of the economy. As it currently stands, I have exhausted all my options and do not have the money required to pay for my tuition fees. With no hope of getting a loan, the only way to fund my studies is through fundraising and blind faith.
I have reached out to York University to see what my options are, and as of now, the only option I have is to pay the fees in one instalment. My family has been paying the interest on my tuition each month to try and buy me some more time. Unfortunately, my outstanding balance has prevented me from being able to enrol in courses for the fall. It is sad and worrying to find myself in this position; I have a dream of pursuing an education but cannot afford to do so. If you are in a position to do so, please donate to help cover the cost of my tuition fees so I can continue my studies at York University. I know many of you are also struggling, but if you can, please donate and share my story with your friends, families, and networks. Thank you for your support and time!
Below I have attached the broken-down fees according to York University and a screenshot of my student account.
According to the York University Financial Office, and Citizenship and Immigration Canada(CIC), International Students are required to pay the total of $45,575CAD - US $37,734.37 The funds are broken down below:
Tuition: $28,632.90CAD
Books/Personal Expense:$5,350 CAD
Residence/Meals: 10,957.00 CAD
Health Care: $636.00 CAD
Best,
Tasha
Organizer and beneficiary
Tasha Gaye Saunders
Organizer
Scarborough, ON
Damion Notice
Beneficiary
