- M
The Backstory
I started actively considering grad school during spring break of 2015, but I kept it very hush-hush for several months. I needed to make sure that this was a goal I was both serious about and prepared to pursue, and that it made sense on all the Sina-levels: emotionally, financially, career-istically. It didn’t take me long to realize that it made absolute sense, and here’s why:
Going back to at least my 2nd AmeriCorps term in 2004, I have felt that my career mission is simply this: to put people in touch with information and resources that encourages them to make healthy, informed decisions leading to an improved quality of life and, dare I say, even happiness. It’s that simple. And when I look forward along this path of Sina-As-Counselor, everything about this decision aligns with that mission.
Logistics, a.k.a. the Ask (and it's a big one)
I will be the first (and second, and probably third) person to tell you that I made gallons of mistakes during my undergrad degree program. It took forever, and I received FAFSA funding, including several loans, to make it happen. I had a hard time there for a while, and experienced a wild illness in 2008, after which I had to take some time off of school (and work). And that’s when it happened, I lost track of some of the earlier loans. Fast forward to present-day, and a few of those earlier loans wound up in default. It was completely my fault, I know it, and I'm doing what I can to rehab those loans (and pay back the others). But that also means that I’m now ineligible for FAFSA, which puts any more schooling out of reach.
There are so many people out there today that need help, so many kickstarters and go-fund-me’s and shark tank shows, and I know you are knee-deep in donor fatigue. I am, too. But I also see an arc I can travel that will get me to a much healthier place, for my future-present and for my future-future. Earning an advanced degree is that path, there’s just no other way. (I’ve included some actual numbers below in case you want EVEN MORE information.)
Once I made the decision to apply, I started talking financing with a friend. The conversation was entertaining, and I was all yippy-snippy impressed with myself as I told him, “look, all I need is to find 19 people who have an extra $1000 lying around, this is L.A., right? No worries, surely someone wants to fund this film, I mean story, I mean project!” His RAIN MAN tendencies kicked in right away here: “you could find 38 people with $500, or 76 people with $250, 152 with $125, 304 with $62.50...” In his head, he quickly whittled it down to the Starbucks-cup-of-coffee range, but I think we both knew by that point it’s pretty unlikely that I’ll find nearly 5000 people who can (and would be willing to) toss $4 in my direction. But you never know.
The Math
I’ve been accepted into the School Counseling program (with Pupil Personnel Services credential) Fall 2016 cohort at California State University Long Beach!!! Wooty-hooty-hoo! I’ve grabbed some information from the CSULB website, but please feel free to take a look yourself. Basically it boils down to this:
I need to pay CSULB roughly $4000 per semester for 4 semesters. This graph represents fees for the 2015-16 school year, and I’ve been warned that tuition rates are likely to increase each of the next several years. Also, I need to take at least 1, 3-credit course during 1 summer, and it’s possible that I’ll begin taking courses this summer. Summer tuition + fees amounts to $1732 (again, this is the current cost). My fundraising target, $19388, is enough to cover the cost of school and that’s it. I’m not trying to pad my very-much-onshore checking account: this is literally the cost of admission to the next circus, er chapter of my life.
You probably noticed a difference between the amount I need and the amount I asked for, and if you did, take solace in the knowledge that you are a math whiz! The difference here ($488 over 4 terms + 2 summers) is to cover the anticipated tuition + fee increase that I’m likely to see during my studentship.
I know you are tired of people asking for money. You need your money. Believe me, I understand. But I couldn’t not ask, it’s that important. If you’d like, I’d be happy to talk with you directly, particularly if you have questions I haven’t addressed here, or if instead of giving me the money outright, you’d rather that I pay you back. Seriously, let’s talk about that.
The Reward
Everyone who helps me is going to receive original art from me. If you know me, you know what to expect (paintings, artist books, poetry collections). If you don’t know me, well first let me just say THANK YOU for considering helping me. Second, it’s nice to meet ya! And third, I’m a self-taught artist who explores a whimsical and abstract world of flowers, hand-lettered signs and poetry.
...Now With Even MORE Details
One of the reasons that this decision was so easy for me to make is that financially, it’s a total DUH. In my current position as a high school registrar, my pay scale is near the top of the classified pool. I can expect to receive (nominal) cost of living raises following contract negotiations in the coming years, but in my district, I think there’s only one classified position that pays better, longevity aside. And I work for a district that is well-funded. But I’m having a difficult time making ends meet, and financial failure is a real threat. Saving for this program is out of the question—between my undergrad loan payback and the cost of living in L.A., I just don’t have discretionary income.
As a first-year counselor, I can realistically expect to earn at least $10,000/year more than I currently earn, and there are openings posted right now in 10 Los Angeles-area districts where the pay is at least $15,000 higher than my current salary. That means that I will recoup the cost of grad school in my first 2 years as a counselor, so let me reiterate this: if you’d rather consider a small personal loan instead of a donation, let’s talk.
I’ve seen postings for registrars in districts across L.A. that pay as little as $800 less each month than I make. I’m capped out here, and that’s okay. And it might be a great way to live, but I need more. Not just more money but more challenge, more meaning, more. My work as a high school counselor will give me that, and what’s more is that I know I’ll be good at it. I can do this, I should do this, I need to do this…and I need your help to get it done.
If you have questions, concerns, doodles or anything else you want to share with me, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...a million thank yous would not be enough, but please know how grateful I am that you're reading this. Contribute if you can, please, and share this campaign with all your people. I am already in your debt.
With wild grins and a very loud wave,
Sina
Sources:
Counseling Jobs, L.A. area, as of 4/28/16
CSULB Graduate School Tuition + Fees as of 4/28/16
I started actively considering grad school during spring break of 2015, but I kept it very hush-hush for several months. I needed to make sure that this was a goal I was both serious about and prepared to pursue, and that it made sense on all the Sina-levels: emotionally, financially, career-istically. It didn’t take me long to realize that it made absolute sense, and here’s why:
Going back to at least my 2nd AmeriCorps term in 2004, I have felt that my career mission is simply this: to put people in touch with information and resources that encourages them to make healthy, informed decisions leading to an improved quality of life and, dare I say, even happiness. It’s that simple. And when I look forward along this path of Sina-As-Counselor, everything about this decision aligns with that mission.
Logistics, a.k.a. the Ask (and it's a big one)
I will be the first (and second, and probably third) person to tell you that I made gallons of mistakes during my undergrad degree program. It took forever, and I received FAFSA funding, including several loans, to make it happen. I had a hard time there for a while, and experienced a wild illness in 2008, after which I had to take some time off of school (and work). And that’s when it happened, I lost track of some of the earlier loans. Fast forward to present-day, and a few of those earlier loans wound up in default. It was completely my fault, I know it, and I'm doing what I can to rehab those loans (and pay back the others). But that also means that I’m now ineligible for FAFSA, which puts any more schooling out of reach.
There are so many people out there today that need help, so many kickstarters and go-fund-me’s and shark tank shows, and I know you are knee-deep in donor fatigue. I am, too. But I also see an arc I can travel that will get me to a much healthier place, for my future-present and for my future-future. Earning an advanced degree is that path, there’s just no other way. (I’ve included some actual numbers below in case you want EVEN MORE information.)
Once I made the decision to apply, I started talking financing with a friend. The conversation was entertaining, and I was all yippy-snippy impressed with myself as I told him, “look, all I need is to find 19 people who have an extra $1000 lying around, this is L.A., right? No worries, surely someone wants to fund this film, I mean story, I mean project!” His RAIN MAN tendencies kicked in right away here: “you could find 38 people with $500, or 76 people with $250, 152 with $125, 304 with $62.50...” In his head, he quickly whittled it down to the Starbucks-cup-of-coffee range, but I think we both knew by that point it’s pretty unlikely that I’ll find nearly 5000 people who can (and would be willing to) toss $4 in my direction. But you never know.
The Math
I’ve been accepted into the School Counseling program (with Pupil Personnel Services credential) Fall 2016 cohort at California State University Long Beach!!! Wooty-hooty-hoo! I’ve grabbed some information from the CSULB website, but please feel free to take a look yourself. Basically it boils down to this:
I need to pay CSULB roughly $4000 per semester for 4 semesters. This graph represents fees for the 2015-16 school year, and I’ve been warned that tuition rates are likely to increase each of the next several years. Also, I need to take at least 1, 3-credit course during 1 summer, and it’s possible that I’ll begin taking courses this summer. Summer tuition + fees amounts to $1732 (again, this is the current cost). My fundraising target, $19388, is enough to cover the cost of school and that’s it. I’m not trying to pad my very-much-onshore checking account: this is literally the cost of admission to the next circus, er chapter of my life.
You probably noticed a difference between the amount I need and the amount I asked for, and if you did, take solace in the knowledge that you are a math whiz! The difference here ($488 over 4 terms + 2 summers) is to cover the anticipated tuition + fee increase that I’m likely to see during my studentship.
I know you are tired of people asking for money. You need your money. Believe me, I understand. But I couldn’t not ask, it’s that important. If you’d like, I’d be happy to talk with you directly, particularly if you have questions I haven’t addressed here, or if instead of giving me the money outright, you’d rather that I pay you back. Seriously, let’s talk about that.
The Reward
Everyone who helps me is going to receive original art from me. If you know me, you know what to expect (paintings, artist books, poetry collections). If you don’t know me, well first let me just say THANK YOU for considering helping me. Second, it’s nice to meet ya! And third, I’m a self-taught artist who explores a whimsical and abstract world of flowers, hand-lettered signs and poetry.
...Now With Even MORE Details
One of the reasons that this decision was so easy for me to make is that financially, it’s a total DUH. In my current position as a high school registrar, my pay scale is near the top of the classified pool. I can expect to receive (nominal) cost of living raises following contract negotiations in the coming years, but in my district, I think there’s only one classified position that pays better, longevity aside. And I work for a district that is well-funded. But I’m having a difficult time making ends meet, and financial failure is a real threat. Saving for this program is out of the question—between my undergrad loan payback and the cost of living in L.A., I just don’t have discretionary income.
As a first-year counselor, I can realistically expect to earn at least $10,000/year more than I currently earn, and there are openings posted right now in 10 Los Angeles-area districts where the pay is at least $15,000 higher than my current salary. That means that I will recoup the cost of grad school in my first 2 years as a counselor, so let me reiterate this: if you’d rather consider a small personal loan instead of a donation, let’s talk.
I’ve seen postings for registrars in districts across L.A. that pay as little as $800 less each month than I make. I’m capped out here, and that’s okay. And it might be a great way to live, but I need more. Not just more money but more challenge, more meaning, more. My work as a high school counselor will give me that, and what’s more is that I know I’ll be good at it. I can do this, I should do this, I need to do this…and I need your help to get it done.
If you have questions, concerns, doodles or anything else you want to share with me, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you, thank you, thank you...a million thank yous would not be enough, but please know how grateful I am that you're reading this. Contribute if you can, please, and share this campaign with all your people. I am already in your debt.
With wild grins and a very loud wave,
Sina
Sources:
Counseling Jobs, L.A. area, as of 4/28/16
CSULB Graduate School Tuition + Fees as of 4/28/16