WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT?
Ten years ago, I put off my formal education to be a full
time stay-at-home parent. Three children later, I’ve become even thirstier for
that missing knowledge, but I’ve also learned a thing or two along the way.
What began as an interest in innovative, refined design has
become an obsession for design that is responsible. Everything from the people
who provide the labor to the the earth that provides our materials deserves
consideration in the design process. Parsons Integrated Design program agrees with
me and offers a unique approach to training well-rounded, brilliantly original,
but socially aware designers who can use design as a tool for social change.
The program will allow me to be that creative, risk-taking
design student I wanted to be before, and also require me to be the cautious and
conscientious member of my community that I have learned from being a mom. This
degree is the beginning of a lifetime of giving back — a lifetime of making
things beautiful in every possible way.
But, I have to be able to pay for it. With great effort, I
gathered almost half the money for tuition through scholarships and loans. Now,
however, I have to turn to strangers, family, and friends.
How much do I need
and what’s in it for you?
Here’s a breakdown of the cost:
$3050 Books and Supplies
$886 Fees
$42,090 Tuition
$3000 required computer
----------------------------
$48,026 Total
$22,080 (Scholarships and Grants already acquired)
$26,946 TOTAL DEFICIT
The process of getting into the Parsons Integrated Design
program was long and arduous and my confidence wavered until the letter arrived
accepting my sacrifices and efforts as enough.
I was elated until I realized that the student debt we amassed putting
my husband through school made it nearly impossible for me to get any student
loans. It was already late in the spring, deadlines for scholarship
applications had mostly passed, and there were few opportunities left for a 30-something
undergraduate student. I was deflated. I almost gave up. Then I got to work. I found
$22,080 in scholarships and grants, but then I got stuck, and now I am turning
to you for help.
Your contribution will allow me to finish my degree in a
unique program that allows me to utilize my talent for design to serve my
community. It’s an investment in my future but also the future of my children
and my city.
$1+
A better community isn’t the only
perk for you guys either! In return for your generosity, I will hand print and
write a thank you note to each and every contributor.
$700+
For those who contribute $700 or
more, I will give up to 5 hours of my time as a design consultant. Do you have
something you’ve always wanted to design or produce? I’m your girl. I’ve
already helped many budding designers clarify and refine their plans and get
going on production. I’ve helped with bags and gowns, toys and blankets. Just
click up there on the gallery to see my personal work and get excited!
The largest
contribution
For the one person who throws out
the largest contribution, get ready. That person will get a plane ticket to NYC
and a ticket to my graduation in the Spring of 2017!! I want to share the
special moment with those who made it possible.
What if I don’t reach
my goal?
I’ll be sad, but I have the option to defer my attendance
for one year. I will spend that year applying for every available scholarship
and design competition around. I will work my tail off (including getting a job
during elementary school hours!) making up the difference to be able to attend
Fall 2015.
The impact of all
this
I’ve said a few times that this is an investment in my
future and that of my children and community, but it’s more than that. I like
to be an example first in teaching my children. By contributing to this campaign,
you are helping me show my children that education is important, so important
that I’m willing to go back at 30 years old and beg for help online to make it
happen. I’ll stop at nothing to make sure that my children know how vital
higher education is to their personal and professional success.
You’ll also be helping a girl feel a little bit more like a
woman, capable of anything, including finishing a bachelor’s degree despite the
extreme sacrifices of motherhood.
Can’t contribute?
That’s ok. I understand. Just remember two things:
Every little bit counts, so even if
you can’t throw down $100, consider that $10 makes a difference too.
You might know someone else who
can, so please spread the word! Use those share tools that Indiegogo provides
and tell as many people as you can. There really is strength in numbers.
THANK YOU!!!
Parsons worthy work samples:
(more in the gallery above!)