Hope Elder

Hello! The great news is that I have pretty much secured my tuition! Through various fundraisers, I have raised $3000 (minus what all of you have given here), and through grants, I have secured $12,100. Plus the $20,000 scholarship from the university. Unfortunately, as an International student, you must have a year's worth of living expenses to show, which is quoted to be just under $26, 000 (see pictures). I was denied for a loan (banks suck), so my community and my community's community are currently my only shot If you could share my page with people you know who might be able to contribute or even offer information that might be useful about programs or organizations I could look into, that would be amazing. I understand this is a huge ask and cost for a degree, but this program is really dear to me on a personal level. The Caribbean, where my family lives, contributes less than 1% (~0.5%) to CO2 emissions, yet it is also the region where devastating catastrophes are happening. Floods, hurricanes, droughts, etc., are increasing in frequency and worsening in intensity. The Global South is getting hit the worst by ‘natural’ disasters. These are not so natural as they are being exacerbated by overproduction, over-extraction, and pollution. People of the Global Majority (People of Colour) take the hit from Western means of production and greed. Being a part of the diaspora and having a say, even in a small way, makes the world of difference for all of us. Central Saint Martins has always been just a dream for me as a little Black girl growing up in Oshawa in the 90s-2000s, as I was told consistently I wasn't going to go far in life. So you can imagine how much this means to me. I am still pinching myself that I was accepted. So I am trying my absolute best not to let this opportunity slide by to prove to that little girl still inside. CSM is one of the ‘Ivy League’ schools of design, ranked the best design school in the world. I would really like to fulfill this as it’s a great opportunity for anyone, but especially someone who looks like myself. Past Students: Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Sade, Phoebe Philo, Grace Wales Bonner, Mowalola, MIA, Sarah Burton, Stella McCartney, Zara Hadid ++++ This program [SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND DESIGN TOGETHER. How cool!!!!!!] will be a lot of work, so trying to relieve stress where possible so I can place my 100% into it to help kick climate change’s ass THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING AND DONATING!! With love, Hope