Hello! My name is Japera I attend SAIC (the School of the Art Institute of Chicago). With the grants and scholarships I have been awarded I was under the impression I wouldn’t need to take out any loans for the duration of my time at the institution, however it was brought to my attention that the calculations previously made were wrong and I still need around 12,000 for the academic year. I had to take out loans so that I could make the first payment. Even with the loans, I will need $4,474.70 for the next semester. I would really appreciate any amount of support I can get. Going to school wasn’t something I thought I was going to be able to do; I waited 4 years until I figured that I was in a good spot to go to school. I will make it happen because I’m passionate about my love for art and education and I have every intention of staying in school, making my difference in the world, and giving back to my community. The only obstacle at this point for me is funding. To have support from the community would be incredibly beneficial for me. I have been supporting myself since I was 16, as I come from a low income family. I work hard to pay my own rent with utilities, make sure I have food on my plate and take care of my cat, all on top of paying out of pocket for school. I hope to become an art educator and inspire other young folk to do exciting things with their art. I understand the world is in a state of chaos so if you’re unable to support financially I would appreciate you spreading the word.