Help Emma Finish Her Degree

Hi, my name is Emma and I am a US citizen studying Graphic Design in Dublin, Ireland. 2020 was a rough year (as it was for all of us). I left an abusive relationship, moved across the world, and started a new journey in life--all during the global pandemic!

I’m 21 years-old and moved to Dublin just before my 21st birthday. When I was younger, I was enrolled in a dual-enrollment program in high school, and took all of my courses, full-time, at a community college. After I officially graduated, I went to a university and lived off-campus for about 2 years. Though, this was not a great experience for me, as classes would often fill up before I could take them, and it was taking an eternity to get anywhere near my degree. Eventually, I switched to an online university to study something else but found that I was falling very far behind in the “go-at-your-own-pace” setup. I was struggling to find a college environment and career path that suited my talents and goals.

In 2019, I had the opportunity to visit Ireland and the UK, and I immediately knew that I needed to go back. I felt more at home in Dublin than I ever had anywhere. Soon after I returned from my trip, I realized that it was time to make some changes. I was ready to leave my toxic relationship and pursue a better life for myself. I began researching and trying to figure out if there was a way to make it happen—and there was!

All my life, I had been a very artistic person, but I was always pushed to pursue a more “practical” degree. However, those previous majors were not fulfilling, and I could not see myself in those careers long-term. I applied for a position at the Dublin Institute of Design, and I was accepted! So, I started a 3-year bachelor’s program in Graphic Design, and nothing has ever felt more right for me.

I have never been happier in my life than during my time here. Moving to a new country alone definitely isn’t easy, and it can be a little scary at times, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. I’ve been able to surround myself with amazing people who love and care about me and make me feel right at home. I’m enjoying my studies, loving life, and adoring where I live.

When I was 15, my father passed away from cancer and he left me with just enough funds to support my initial education. I am grateful to have had those savings which helped me to survive the past year, however tuition, rent, and the cost of living has eaten away almost every dime to my name.

COVID, of course, has been another huge blockade for me this year, as Ireland spent the majority of the year in lockdown. This caused some major issues, like delays in my immigration registration, applying for my PPS number, and the impossible feat of trying to find a job when no one is hiring. This, in turn, has left me unemployed for the past year, without any source of income, and having depleted my savings.

Unfortunately, US Financial Aid (FAFSA) does not provide funding towards my school. I also have not had success in applying for loans, as I am unemployed due to the pandemic. This has left me in the scary position of trying to find enough money to pay for tuition by the time it’s due in September.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I never ask for money. Even though this year has brought about such unexpected challenges and left me with no other resources, I am not yet ready to give up on my dream. I am optimistic that I will be able to find a job soon, as things start to open back up, which will help cover my cost of living and allow me to save up for the following year’s tuition. However, if anyone is willing and able to contribute a donation towards my education for this year, I would be eternally grateful.