Hi, I'm Megan. The purpose of this fundraiser is so that I can matriculate in the Master's of Social Work program at Hunter College's Silberman School of Social Work this fall. Thank you so very much for landing here, and then for taking the time to read this, if you have it. I want to stress how much I deeply appreciate your time, efforts, and sharing. This past winter and spring, after having gone through an admissions process complete with a round of group interviews and a timed essay exercise, I was awarded not only admission but also a financial aid package that guarantees I could live and go to school. I currently work at a nonprofit organization- my supervisor wrote me my recommendation to this MSW program- and I am planning on continuing to do so part time while I am a full-time student. I intend to work throughout the duration of this program, which will last two years. Over the past five years, I have put in a lot of work to turn my life around. I moved back to New York City mid-divorce and right before covid took over the world. In 2019, I got alcohol sober, after having kicked a thirteen-year habit of clonazepam. two years prior. I had job lines up and was saving money when covid hit, but I managed to keep my head above water. This entire time, my plan has been to go to graduate school for social work, but it kept falling to the back burner. In 2024, I was diagnosed with glaucoma, and, in 2024, with advanced avascular necrosis in my right hip. The latter required a whole hip replacement. I had health insurance, but everything added up and my savings took a hit. I have been working steadily since two weeks after my surgery, and last year, I finally got the opportunity to make the move into social services, albeit not as a clinician. My experience at this place of work has only solidified my desired to become a clinical social worker. I want to work with immigrants and refugees, and have a vested interest in learning more about the micro efforts against human trafficking, and how we take care of victims, as a society. I also speak multiple languages and it is my experience that this helps a lot in making people feel more at ease. I did the application process, and, in mid-June, received the incredible news that I had gotten in, and that I would be able to go due to the financial aid package I've been awarded. I returned from Iowa and hurriedly paid my deposit in person. As I was told to do, I requested my official transcripts from my alma mater, Grinnell College. They refused my request. In my emails from a long time ago, I had found a bill I thought might be the culprit. The bill totaled less than one-thousand dollars, and I have been prepared to pay that and possibly a bit more. it is important to note that I had absolutely planned on paying this sum once the college confirmed the reason for the denial. For those of you who do not know, colleges in the United States reserve the right to refuse you your official transcripts if they feel you have an unpaid bill. I used my unofficial transcripts to get into Hunter, and I have my original diploma. I did receive my degree from Grinnell College in 2008 and have since used it to get teaching positions, entrance into programs, and career positions. So, I knew that I could pay this bill, but I have spent the past three weeks in an email back-and-forth with the college, trying to figure out the sum. In conclusion, they have informed me that I owe them almost $8k in order to get even one single official transcript. I have updated this to add that Grinnell College refuses to accept any payment plan, per their Office of Accounting. I am happy to show screenshots confirming this upon request. I have an approaching deadline to get this transcript to Hunter. I have been candid and open about my life, and I hold myself accountable for my choices. I really do not want to miss this opportunity. If I cannot pay in time for this upcoming semester, I plan on using whatever funds are raised for the next semester I can attend- be that by deferment or by withdrawing my application and re-applying for the upcoming 2024 spring or fall semesters. Anything over the amount once I am in school will be used for transportation, materials, etc. Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this. I am happy to share emails and bills with more sensitive information with individuals on a case-by-case basis if you would like to know more about the weeds. Please share this fundraiser if you are so inclined. I appreciate you, and please know that even if I should not meet this goal, I will not stop trying. I do not intend to change career paths. I am so grateful for all of the support and love over the years, and I absolutely would not have made it this far without so much rallying and encouragement.
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