Help Gina's Photography Dream


I AM ONLY $6,000 SHORT NOW!

The following was submited by one of my teachers to support my efforts to fund my education.

This GoFundMe page was created in support of my student and friend Gina South. Gina is currently a high school senior at Unionville High School and will be graduating in less than a month to start the next journey of her life.

Gina has recently been accepted to the Parson’s School of Design in New York City, one of the most prestigious art schools in the country. This is Gina’s dream come true and a once in a lifetime opportunity. While Gina was overwhelmed by her acceptance to Parson’s, the reality of paying for school soon set in. Gina has worked hard to apply for all the available grants, loans, scholarships, and funding. While she was graciously awarded some funding she is still far below what is needed to attend Parsons. Gina has endless love and support from her mother, but being a single mom does not afford Mrs. South the means to cover the additional expenses.  A unexpected  divorce  left her financially depleted and unable to secure a loan herself for Gina.   

I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Gina in my support program for the past 3 years at Unionville High School. Gina started in my support class as a Sophomore as a result of her identified Learning and Emotional Disabilities. Due to her disabilities and other life factors, Gina experienced significant struggles in her early high school years. She often saw no hope in her future and struggled to get through each day. Gina did not quit.  She worked hard to overcome her difficulties and make a positive change in her life which included her pursuit of photography.

Gina’ s interest in photography has turned from a hobby to a career aspiration. She spends countless hours improving her skills, making connections, and working in the field. She has won numerous awards and has created her own photography business.

I understand paying for college is a struggle for many students and I would not ask for help on Gina’s behalf unless I wholeheartedly believed in her. She has shown to me that she is strong, persistent, and motivated to achieve her goal. I truly believe Gina is destined for greatness and this opportunity will help her continue on her path.

Thank you for your time and support. It is truly appreciated by Gina, her family, and friends.

Kevin M. Brode

*Please visit Gina’s website to recognize and appreciate her talent and passion.

https://ginasouthphotography.smugmug.com/

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Before I discovered photography I had always felt like an observer of sorts; I struggled to connect personally with the world around me and found myself distracted by what others were experiencing. Photography helped me focus on the world around me and made me more interested in paying attention to the little details. The more I photograph, the more in the moment I become.

Coming from a place where everyone is a carbon - copy of each other, I was unaware of how diverse the world can be. While looking for a way to break from the monotony, I was scrolling through Instagram one day, and came across an open event for Philadelphia-based photographers.  I decided to show up, not knowing what to expect, only to find myself answering the question, “What do I want to be when I grow up?”.


Using my free time to photograph all around Philadelphia has not only expanded my knowledge, but has also taught me the value of communication. I have learned not only technical skills, but people skills as well. My experiences have helped me perfect my abilities to put people at ease so I can capture the shot I am envisioning . Photography is a challenge that motivates me to work harder and aspire to reach my dreams.

- Gina South