Help Guldem get to the NFTS

My name is Guldem Masa and I'm a Sound Designer from London. This month, one of my biggest dreams came true; I was accepted into the National Film and Television School to study Sound Design. The NFTS is a prestigious school that only takes in roughly 8 people per course each year, with students regularly going on to win Oscars and BAFTA awards. It's my one-way ticket to living my dream. Background I never in a million years thought this could be a reality for someone like me. My parents immigrated to the UK from North Kurdistan in the late 80s and I was raised in a council house in North London. I knew from early on that I wanted to work in the film industry. I also knew that it would be difficult, and that my dream was a little bit crazy. I undertook a BA course in Film & TV at UAL and it was there that I discovered Sound Design. It combined all the things I loved- film, storytelling and sound. I knew it was what I was meant to do. Since then I have worked on dozens of short films, feature films and documentaries as a Sound Designer and a Sound Recordist. Films I have Sound Designed have screened internationally at festivals such as the London Short Film Festival and the Scottish Queer International Film Festival. As an ethnic minority and a woman in a heavily male-dominated field I've faced every adversity you can imagine, but I never let down because my love for what I do was always strong enough to overcome it all. Now I'm aiming to take my career to the next stage and I've chosen NFTS because it will open doors for me that otherwise would not be accessible. However... Taking on a Postgraduate degree is a huge investment. The tuition fees are astronomical and given my background and my minimum-wage retail job, I will not be able to afford to pursue my dream without help from friends, family and the kindness of strangers. It is a two year course beginning in January 2020 and my first year fees, a total of £14,300, must be paid in full by the 1st of December 2019. I am aiming to source part of this through potential scholarships and bursaries, however it is a lengthy process to apply for them all and there is no guarantee of how much money I can get this way. I have also considered taking out a Postgraduate loan, but like many other students I do not want to have to add to the already heavy load of having to eventually pay back my Undergraduate student loan. The Lowdown I am asking for £10,000 to help me cover the main bulk of my first year tuition fees. If I am lucky enough to source enough money from a scholarship then any extra amount I have crowdfunded will go towards my living expenses- food, travel costs (I will be commuting to Buckinghamshire everyday from London) and any supplies I will need while studying. The course is full time, Monday to Friday, and frequently requires evening and weekend attendance, meaning I will not be able to work for more than one or two days a week and basic living costs will be difficult to manage. Every single penny I raise will be hugely beneficial to me and even if you cannot make a contribution I appreciate every shared post just as much. In return, I promise to chase my dream until the very end, and to continue championing for diversity in the Film & TV Industry and for more opportunities for women in audio. I also hope to inspire other people in my situation who may feel their dreams are not realistic because of their economic status or their identity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Guldem x Links: Instagram  Paypal