Rome or Bust!

If you had asked me, my plan was to never go to school again after obtaining my bachelor’s degree at Loyola Marymount University. But one thing I know is that you never know. My aunt has told me, “There is a plan for you, the Lord promises it!”

If you know me, you know the roller coaster it has been over the last year to get myself to Rome to achieve the goal placed on my heart to earn my Master’s Degree in Marketing in Rome, Italy. Last year, I had applied and was accepted. Unfortunately, I was not able to go due to finances. That was okay though, I had a goal of holding off for one more year so I could work and save money and get myself ready.

Then I was laid off.

I was fortunate to be able to move back home so I could find a job and work to save. Unfortunately, after dozens and dozens (and dozens) of job applications, the only offer that came was for seasonal part-time help over the holidays. I told any and all of my coworkers I would gladly cover their shift, but it seemed we were all in the same boat with the holidays approaching and trying to save money. (Or pay for gas in Southern California!)

In the meantime, during my research and planning of Rome, the hurdles didn’t stop there. Now that it was a year later, and because I had received my bachelor’s degree prior to 2022 (I graduated in 2021) I was told I would now need to take an entrance exam for admittance. That exam came with a $250 fee, or about one of my paychecks. My first attempt I missed the score I needed by 1 point.

There was still a plan and I wasn’t quitting.

My next shot at the exam I passed! With my score, I am now a direct admit into Luiss Guido Carli University and accepted into the school to go for my Masters Degree in Marketing!

School starts on September 1st, or in about 117 days as I type this. My next purchase will be my one-way flight to Rome after I sell my car. From there, I’m going on faith and maybe getting by with a little help from my friends, as the song goes.

It is humbling to set up a Go-Fund-Me when we usually see these for people in life or death situations. Please do not feel pressured or obligated in any way. I know everything is expensive and we’re all trying to get by in our own way. If you are inclined to help me reach my goal, I will tell you a little more background and financial details.

My dad’s side of the family is from Italy. My sister and I had the opportunity to travel to Italy in 2018 and I suppose I didn’t know it then, but somewhere in my growing up years, I felt a calling to go “home”. I recently received Italian citizenship, a perk of my grandparents being born there which makes things slightly smoother.

The program I am applying for is $13,000 per year, roughly $1,084 per month. As you can see, it is far less expensive than graduate schools in America. It’s a win/win. Student loans in America unfortunately won’t translate to Italy, so I’m out of luck there.

To get my feet on the ground in Italy I have estimated it would cost roughly $10,000, which is my go-fund-me goal. That includes my first installment to the school (which is $4,400), rent, transportation and food for about 2-3 months. (Also much cheaper than America for all of those items combined!)

I am hoping to find an English speaking job and be able to balance it with my studies and take over supporting myself financially. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! But time is running out for me to earn what I’ll need to get started. The program is two years and I believe once I get there and get myself established, I’ll find a way to support myself for the remainder of my time.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and even if supporting me financially isn’t feasible for you right now, I just appreciate the support in general. As they say, it takes a village! Whether you’re a friend, family member, or friend of a friend - every positive thought (or prayer, if you’re inclined) helps me as well! I do believe people need people and I vow to pay it forward. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. A piece of this diploma will be yours.

With humble gratitude,

Milana