The life I had not imagined, but now dream of...

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." HD Thoreau

Like all humans, my life has been complicated, and I have faced many challenges. I spent many years chasing peace and finding very little. I won't detail every painful and ugly moment, but with certainty, I can say that I never imagined that I would survive, and not only survive, but thrive, blossom, explode even, in the glorious glitter-bomb sense of the word, and have the beautiful life I have now. So grateful. So amazed.

I quit school after grade 9. Got my grade 10 equivalency at an alternative school for street kids and did not think about education again until I moved back to Canada in 1995 as a single parent. I did a bit of upgrading and a couple of college courses but left that behind when I started working. I was lucky to find work that valued my life experience and led to numerous professional and personal growth opportunities. With this support and consideration, I held several different roles over the years, most recently co-creating and managing a Health Centre for people with substance use disorders.

I stepped away from that work just over a year ago as I was depleted and exhausted, and my heart could bear no more. Recently I have been working as a program facilitator for another non-profit, which has been a great opportunity but as I moved towards my Birthday this year, I knew I was ready to come out of 'hiding' and challenge myself again. So, after some research, I applied for the Master's of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at Royal Roads University. They are the only program I am aware of that would even consider me because of my lack of education. I had to write a statement about why I should be allowed to do the program and have two letters of support affirming that I am capable of doing this level of studies, (thank you, Katrina Jensen and Tracey Thompson); I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED! WOOT!! My dream....ahh, to let myself dream at last, is to get my degree and start a co-op offering a variety of healing modalities that prioritizes services to marginalized and poor people. Speaking from experience, when you are poor, fucked up or viewed as outside of society, accessing mental health care is very difficult.

Now the hard part (maybe) and the reason I am reaching out and asking for help: We have a beautiful life together with many privileges, but Scott has health issues that prevent him from having a 9-5; he is on CPP disability, and it is a pittance. Currently, I work 4 days a week at the non-profit and have a couple small contracts, but I know that when I start school I will not be able to keep all of of those work hours.

So, after all these many words, here we are: Can you please help us raise some dosh so that I can start school in September without worrying that my dream may put us in the poor house? I am applying for grants and scholarships and am hopeful that once the ball is rolling everything will fall into place...fingers crossed...but even if I am awarded everything I am applying for, it won't cover the program fees and associated costs entirely.

Anyhow, thank you for considering this, especially now in these crazy times, and please know that literally every penny counts and helps. With love and appreciation, Hermione & Scott