This past October, I was offered a dream come true as I was given a clear, solid path in pursuing my career as an artist in NYC, including financial support, lodging, and plans for a creative future. I was elated to be given a second chance. Photography is my passion, and despite going to RISD for this, the life of an artist is not always the easiest. As a result, I've spent a lot of time working jobs that just don't feed my soul but help me get by. So, it was the right choice at the time to quit my retail job, end my relationship, end my lease, and drive back to NYC, my home, the place where I feel safe and complete.

I was devastated as those promises quickly crumbled. After a month, I began couch-surfing and put the rest of my belongings in storage, minus one suitcase. As my remaining credit and savings depleted, I continued applying to jobs en masse. I’ve applied to 80 jobs in the past two months, interviewed 15 times, and been rejected by every one, including those far below my experience level. I’ve cut my spending essentially to zero, paying only for bills and food. This experience has left me deep in credit card debt, as I always expected something to come through soon. The process for disability insurance takes months and I don’t have that much time. I don’t have a permanent address, so I’ve been denied from Medicaid. I feel defeated and disheartened. I am still working with the little energy I have left to make things come through, but it is hard to do it alone.

New York City is the first and only place that has ever felt like home. After recently spending years in Rochester as an adult, I came to understand that my happiness is absolutely dependent on location. My time in Rochester, while dotted with great memories, worsened my already fragile well-being. I am expecting one of these jobs to come through, but in the meantime, I am struggling to afford bare-bones essentials, including food, health insurance, and medication.

With that, I am reaching out for any level of charitable help to get me through the next couple of months. It's extremely hard for me to ask, but I really am quite desperate. I appreciate your consideration.

Sending love to all!