Main fundraiser photo

Irish Girl Pursues Irish Master's Degree

In May of 2017 I graduated cum laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a B.S. in Design, Innovation & Society. Upon receiving my diploma I was disappointed to have to turn down two graduate school acceptances. I simply could not afford to take on the immense debt required to pursue a graduate degree in the United States, let alone pay for my living expenses as a full time student. 

After a full year of struggling as a contracted employee doing administrative work, it became clear to me that a graduate degree is still necessary to get the positions I desire. I swallowed my pride, moved in with family to save money, and have continued to work hard in my administrative positions. 

This November I was accepted to University College Cork's Master's in Design and Development of Digital Business course. The program is significantly less costly and shorter than the U.S. programs. This course will teach me the technical skill set and business expertise necessary to build a fulfilling career in user experience design.

Pursuing my degree in Cork, Republic of Ireland also has personal significance for me. I was given a trip to Dublin as a high school graduation gift and visited the summer before RPI. Connecting with current family members, my ancestors, and the art, history, landscape and culture of Ireland was life changing. Returning became a priority for me.

I intended to study abroad during my undergraduate education, however the unexpected passing of my sister and my mother put those plans on hold. That unexpected tragedy emphasized the importance of pursuing my dreams. Life is short. I intend to fully immerse myself in everything Ireland has to offer and to take advantage of being in such close proximity to Europe. 

I am budgeting extensively in order to save what I will need for:

Living expenses -- $1000 USD/month

Visa fees -- $350 USD

Tuition downpayment -- $1134 USD

Flight BOS > SNN -- $600 USD

Health insurance -- $4500 USD

Anything outside of that will be budgeted very carefully while I am there for cultural experiences in and outside of Ireland (my sights are set on the Scottish Art Festival in August, as well as continuing to learn Irish Fiddle with UCC's Trad club).

This GoFundMe is not a charity. There are many causes that will boost your karma far more than supporting my privilege of traveling and studying overseas. However if you were going to buy me a birthday card for $1.29, or a little birthday present for $5, I ask that instead you consider funding this next adventure. This is merely a convenient way for me to pool my resources and SAVE SAVE SAVE so I can focus on learning and playing during my time in the Emerald Isle!

Thank you so much everyone for providing guidance, advice, and a place to stay while I figure out this whole "being an adult" thing without my mother. It's been harder than I ever imagined it would be. With this decision I finally feel like I have a sense of purpose and direction. I won't let her, or myself, down.

Sláinte!

Organizer

Siobhan Bailey
Organizer
Concord, MA

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