Scotland or Bust! An Education Fund

I started my education at Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia fresh out of high school. I had plans on becoming a teacher, but, unfortunately, although I had applied for many scholarships, all my applications came back with rejection letters, and my Nova Scotia Student Loan application was also rejected, as my parents made too much money. Within the first semester I found myself unable to complete my studies, and had to drop out and get a job.

From there, I decided to go to Success College and take a two year course on interior design. It was something that I had always found interesting, and thought it would make a good career. Once again I applied for financial assistance and scholarships, but, just like before, I did not receive any help. It appeared that, even though both of my parents had been let go from their job, they had made too much money in the previous year and I was not eligible for any funding. All the scholarships I applied for came back with the same message... "we regret to inform you..." so, once again, I found myself unable to complete my studies, so I focused on continuing on with my part-time job in hopes I could save up enough to go back to school, eventually.

While I was on my lunch break at the Staples Call Centre, I was looking online for courses and found two that seemed very interesting. One was a Paralegal course at NSCC, and the other was an Archaeology course at Saint Mary’s University.

I decided that I would go for the course at SMU, and enrolled in their four year Bachelor of Arts program, majoring in Anthropology with a double minor in Religious Studies and History. Once again, I started the application process for scholarships and student loans, and, while, once again, I got all rejection letters for the scholarships I applied for, finally, someone was willing to help me and I did get some financial assistance. I continued to work part-time while going to school so I could pay for my education.

Now, I have completed my degree in three years at Saint Mary's University, applying for scholarships every year and still receiving none. I graduated on May 15th 2015 with an overall GPA of 3.68 and ended up getting myself on the Dean's List!

The next step in my journey is undertaking a Masters degree in Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Unfortunately, the tuition for this one year program is $31,500, which is a lot of money, and, although I have applied for tons of scholarships, and looked for grants and bursaries, and even sponsorships where I could, I'm not getting anywhere, and I have to prove in my Tier 4 Visa application that I can pay for my entire tuition up front.

This is where you, good people, come in. Any little bit will help. I really don't like asking for money without working for it, but I feel as though this dream of mine may not come true without the help and kindness of you all.

Thank you so much for reading my story, and thank you for donating whatever you can. I understand that these are not the easiest times financially, and I know there are people who are in the same position I am in. This is why, when I complete my studies and am able to secure a job, I want to set up a scholarship or burasry to help students like me acheive their dreams. This can all be made possible with your help.

Cheers!
Nikki