Help Me (Finally) Graduate
I am launching this GoFundMe campaign to raise tuition to pay for my last year at Queen's University. If you help me raise the $30,000 CAD (about $23,000 US) you will help me graduate in June 2016.
I suspended my degree at Queen's when my mom got sick with cancer and after she passed, I didn't return right away. Fortunately, last year a friend loaned me around $25,000 (US) for one year of school and I'm really hoping to raise enough for my final year. So I'm turning to you, to my family, to my friends and to your families and friends for help.
Long Story Short...
I graduated as Head Girl from Saltus, yet this is my third attempt to complete my Bachelor of Arts at Queen's University. I've been derailed once in 2005 due to financial difficulty and the second time in 2009 due to my mom's battle with breast cancer. She was unemployed at the time she was being treated and the expenses and emotional stress were too much for my family. When I discovered her cancer was terminal, I left in the middle of my second attempt to graduate. She passed in 2010, my mom is Greta Paynter.
A Purpose Emerged...
I've taught art at the Masterworks Foundation and poetry and creative writing through the Chewstick Foundation. I realised during these experiences that I belong in a classroom, it is my happy place, and teaching is my calling. I am a teaching artist and a bachelor's degree will afford me more opportunities to teach. I teach poetry and creative writing because these subjects build courage and compassion and move us closer towards our heart's freedom. Courage, compassion and freedom are the things I value most. My plan is to graduate, train in the Waldorf Method and bring all of my skills and passion into as many classrooms, living rooms and boardrooms that will have me.
Why It Matters So Much...
I grew up in government housing. My daddy was a bartender and my mom was a waitress, they wanted more for me, and they sacrificed a lot to give me the best education possible. They borrowed to put me through Saltus and they borrowed to get me into Queens. I borrowed $25,000 to get this close to graduation. My parents never lived their dreams; they lived from paycheck to paycheck to provide for our large family. This campaign brings me one step closer to being able to do something my parents didn't get the chance to do - to dream, and to see that dream made real.
Please help. You can help in two ways...donate and share (hopefully convincing others to donate).
Tuition Raising starts: Friday, August 14th
Tuition Raising ends: Tuesday, September 15th.
With your help I will be a first generation graduate!
