Support Hayes' Art Education Dream

This is my last ditch effort to finish my school year. I've been given an extra week to sugn up for classes this next wuarter, but this needs Paid, and I need your help.

Hi there! My name is Hayes, and I’m an 18 year old college art student. I didn’t want to start a gofundme, but I’ve seen good things come of them, and I need help. I’ve been in school now for two weeks, and it’s been such an experience! Going to SCAD means a multitude of opportunities other art students don’t get- the amount of one-on-one workshops, extra help sessions, SCADPro options [Working with big name companies on top secret projects that we can later put on our resume]... The list goes on. And that’s not even to mention the circle of people around me- the atmosphere is constantly encouraging and accepting. I’ve met people who’ve helped me, and people I’ve been able to help. The friends I’ve made are supportive and kind, and so so talented!

All this said, there’s a reason I opened a GoFundMe- I’m poor. And I’ve been unable to get a cosigner, which means my financial help is less than others, and I’m falling behind. It was about a week before school started that suddenly things went wrong: I’d had payments planned out (Mostly) but that was only possible while job was offering. . . well, jobs. Job offers dropped that week, and with the offers/opportunities, so did the income. And my family, always in bad situations financially, hasn’t been able to put together a college fund for anyone.

I’m looking for a job here, whether it be online or in person, and my mom’s putting together work, too, but right now that’s not enough; we need something immediate. Payment dates are coming up, and I’m afraid that if I continuously don’t have enough money or pay late, I’ll get kicked out. I’ve already bartered my head off with the school, and they’ve been very supportive, but they also obviously won’t just let someone come for free. I have to stick to this payment plan. I’d like to at least finish the quarter– I’d love to do a full year.

I think that’s only possible, though, with your help. Honestly, truly, anything will help, and I promise the money would be put to good use.

Not only would it help keep me fed and in school, but I’d be able to stay and make the most of all the school has to offer. I’m already doing everything I can- when I’m not in class or doing homework, I’m at events and workshops. Some are for my major; most are to help expand my skills, opportunities, experience, and mindset. There’s live model events where tons of people who adore drawing get together and look at models and just draw. There’s SCADamp that helps with speaking skills, presentation skills, preparing meetings, owning the room, etc. We get to bring our stories and characters to life. We have access to film equipment that can be used for both school and personal projects, as well as stages, sets, actors, and more.

And there’s the matter of my art itself. My purpose in my art; why I make what I do: My artist statement, of sorts. I didn’t think I’d get to college- it was never in my radar. College is expensive, and I thought of it as lectures and getting put into boxes, so it didn’t really bother me, the idea that I wouldn’t get to go. But then, in 2020 I got into art. I had time on my hands so I drew and drew and drew and once I got good enough at that, I painted, painted, painted. And then I asked myself: What do I want to make, now that I can? The answer’s always been the same: I want to make things that help others feel good about themselves; that will show them they’re beautiful, and heard, and seen, and understood. That they are who they’re supposed to be. And to bring awareness to minorities and discriminated groups of all kinds in a way that’s gentle and sometimes subtle.

I declared just today officially that my major is film and television, because as much as I love traditional arts (Illustration is still my minor), I want to do something that will reach the most people; the world is harsh and cruel and if I can reach as many people as I can with kind, impactful messages and relatable characters then I will. Going into film includes all that’s special to me; I get to write, create characters, meet people, and spread my art to every part of the world.

This school is my dream, and I plan to apply everything I learn here to my life; I won’t let any of it go to waste.

Thanks sincerely,

Hayes