Raymond’s Master Degree

Hi, I’m Raymond. I started this fundraiser to aid the Master’s Degree I’ll be undergoing starting September of next year. I’ll be traveling to University College Cork in Ireland to pursue an M.A. in Creative Writing. UCC’s specific program has me write a book during my stay, and connects me with an agent, editing team, and publishing team while I am with them, so I can graduate as an author, and continue my career from there. I chose the program due to their focus on the influences of Ancient Greek and Roman history on contemporary poetry and novel writing, which aligned greatly with my studies in my undergrad. For years I have been trying to plan my future, working for the state department, becoming a lawyer, all with the intent of finding an avenue where I could make the money to support myself while I pursued my true passion on the side, writing. This opportunity would enable me to cut to the chase and be the person I truly desire to be from the onset of my adult life. Unfortunately, it appears that I will have to pay for this endeavor out of pocket, due to difficulties with Irish scholarships, U.S. grants, and Ireland’s housing crisis. As someone born and raised in Providence, working in a restaurant since I turned 15, and working my way through college, I would be lying if I said that financial burden of this ambition doesn’t weigh on me every night. I am asking for help, so that I can achieve these dreams; Anything helps, and even if you personally cannot contribute, sharing and moving this page forward will enable me to seize the career I am meant for.