Support for Master's Journey and an Empowered Future

Greetings lovely human beings,

Well, here we are. This is vulnerable for me, but at the same time, it feels like it makes sense to try. I recently came across a situation that has left me feeling a bit uncertain and vulnerable, but I am determined to find a way forward. I am writing with you all today because I believe in the power of community and the strength of human kindness. I am pursuing my dream of completing my Master in Fine Arts degree, and I need your help to achieve it.

I am the first in my family to pursue a terminal degree, or possibly the first in my lineage to even persue a Masters and I am determined to succeed. It has not been an easy journey, but I am willing to make sacrifices to achieve my goal. I am ready to let go of my place of living and reduce my expenses to try to pay for my tuition fees and summer expenses. I am doing this because I believe that my success will benefit the communities that I plan to build, cultivate, and enrich.

I am confident that with your help, I can make a positive impact on society. I am not just pursuing this degree for myself; I am doing it for the betterment of others. I am passionate about using my skills to make a difference in people's lives, in communities, and in academia. If you know how I am, I’m a human who enriches, cultivates, and builds community by nature.

To give some contexts, I have to go to abroad (France) for my summer semester. Which means I have expenses back in the states while having expenses in France. I have applied for grants, scholarships, and financial aid, but unfortunately, I have not been successful. I am not earning enough income, and dancers/street dancers like me are undervalued and underpaid. I am pushing for better pay and working condition for POC in that realm as well with my Masters.

I’ve attached my bill and email to just lay it all out for you all interested:

Essentially I am able to get housing covered if I pay for my summer tuition but as you can see the price is hefty. I am hoping that you can assist me with my living and school expenses not just for me, but if you know, the family I am trying to support.

My rent and necessary expenses have been placing a heavy burden on me. With electricity, gas, internet, cellphone, and car payments, my monthly expenses come to a total of $2830 (this is not including food/family). While I know that I have a reasonable price for where I am living, I am willing to either Airbnb my place or drop it entirely and possibly move somewhere else to find a more affordable living situation. But neither is certain.

I must admit that reaching out for help is not something that comes easily to me. In the past, I have been afraid of disappointment and rejection. But now, I am learning that there is no disappointment where there is no expectation. And to be honest, there's a peace within me that knows something will work out. I am just not sure what is or when it is. And so I am reaching out to you today, not out of pity, but out of love, compassion, and honesty.

With this support it helps me get closer to the goal. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can achieve greatness. I believe that when I succeed, we all succeed, and I promise to use my degree to make an even more positive impact on society how I have been withOUT a degree.

I am determined to get my Masters degree, no matter what it takes. I am motivated, ready, and willing to do what it takes to achieve the/my dreams. But I am also aware that I may need support although it feels lonely.

If you are in a position to help in any way, I would be incredibly grateful. Whether it is through whatever you can donate, or connecting me with potential housing possibilities, or simply sending words of encouragement, anything would be greatly appreciated.

Please know that I am not asking for handouts, but rather for the support and kindness of a community. I am humbled by the generosity by the few around me, and I am inspired by the thought that a community can support someone.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for considering how you might be able to help. I am grateful for any support you can offer, and I am excited to see what the future holds. Yet grateful for where I am at in the present!

And if you'd like to support in a productive way more long term, here is my Patreon platform where I post a lot of my work, ideas, lessons, and more: My Patreon Link for long-term support

OneLove,

Jeff J.P