Help Max Finish His Masters Degree
Donation protected
Hello! My name is Max Aguila, for those of you who don’t know me, I am a Mexican sound engineer currently working to achieve my Masters degree in Sound Design at The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
Since a very young age, I have been passionate about sound and music. From the strum of a guitar, to the complexity of a perfectly produced musical number, my fascination with listening and creating is endless. I was fortunate enough to not only complete my Bachelors in sound design, but was accepted to a Masters program at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I aim to use my degree and experience to one day become a renowned sound designer in the film industry and help inspire others from Mexico to aim large and work for their dreams as well.
During my first year at SCAD, I met wonderful and talented people from all backgrounds who share the same passion for sound that I do. I have put my heart, soul, and sound into every project and maintained an almost 4.0 GPA. I have worked as a sound designer on numerous projects in Mexico, ranging from dubbing Netflix films, to working with a sound team lead by multi award nominee/ winner Carlos Honc.
Like many, this past year has caused a whirlwind of troubles and challenges for myself and my family. The pandemic has caused a huge and financial crisis in Mexico, leaving millions without work. My dad lost his income entirely after his factory shut down due to Covid-19. In recent weeks, my mom lost her job as well. My family struggled for a while to make ends meet with what savings we had left in order to pay my rent in the US… but the debts became too large for my family to handle. I thought maybe this was just a bump in the road… maybe this would all blow over.... or maybe SCAD would see my many accomplishments at the school as reason to allow me to further my education and pay them back after I completed my studies. But… it didn’t. After months of fighting, I had to accept the reality that I couldn’t continue. As a result of not being enrolled, I had to leave the US, my life, my friends, my girlfriend, and everything behind.
I have spent the last two months in Mexico, working with my father to try to figure out other alternatives to pay these bills. Though any possibility of money goes towards paying off our debits in Mexico first, putting my education in a backseat. Everyday I drive myself mad looking online for third party loans, financing, or any opportunity to raise funds so I can return to school. I have worked odd jobs here and there, and even sold some of my most special possessions in hopes to raise any money, but the pay in Mexico does not cut it. Not to mention the increased risk I put on my elderly parents any time I do a job.
Which brings me to why I am here writing this. Like many on this page, I hate to ask for money… but I have run out of options. If I cannot raise the necessary funds by May I’ll lose my student visa entirely and have to reapply to SCAD, paying all their fees all over again.
I am asking all of you reading this, to please hear my story. I know everyone is in a tight position and may not have much to give. I feel all I have worked for is hanging on by one last thread of hope. The only thing between my dreams and I are $23k in order to pay my last 5 classes at SCAD along with what I currently owe to the school.
Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for any contribution. I cannot express how grateful I am for your consideration in helping me achieve my dreams.
Best,
Max
“Through chaos as it swirls, It's us against the world” - Coldplay
Since a very young age, I have been passionate about sound and music. From the strum of a guitar, to the complexity of a perfectly produced musical number, my fascination with listening and creating is endless. I was fortunate enough to not only complete my Bachelors in sound design, but was accepted to a Masters program at the Savannah College of Art and Design. I aim to use my degree and experience to one day become a renowned sound designer in the film industry and help inspire others from Mexico to aim large and work for their dreams as well.
During my first year at SCAD, I met wonderful and talented people from all backgrounds who share the same passion for sound that I do. I have put my heart, soul, and sound into every project and maintained an almost 4.0 GPA. I have worked as a sound designer on numerous projects in Mexico, ranging from dubbing Netflix films, to working with a sound team lead by multi award nominee/ winner Carlos Honc.
Like many, this past year has caused a whirlwind of troubles and challenges for myself and my family. The pandemic has caused a huge and financial crisis in Mexico, leaving millions without work. My dad lost his income entirely after his factory shut down due to Covid-19. In recent weeks, my mom lost her job as well. My family struggled for a while to make ends meet with what savings we had left in order to pay my rent in the US… but the debts became too large for my family to handle. I thought maybe this was just a bump in the road… maybe this would all blow over.... or maybe SCAD would see my many accomplishments at the school as reason to allow me to further my education and pay them back after I completed my studies. But… it didn’t. After months of fighting, I had to accept the reality that I couldn’t continue. As a result of not being enrolled, I had to leave the US, my life, my friends, my girlfriend, and everything behind.
I have spent the last two months in Mexico, working with my father to try to figure out other alternatives to pay these bills. Though any possibility of money goes towards paying off our debits in Mexico first, putting my education in a backseat. Everyday I drive myself mad looking online for third party loans, financing, or any opportunity to raise funds so I can return to school. I have worked odd jobs here and there, and even sold some of my most special possessions in hopes to raise any money, but the pay in Mexico does not cut it. Not to mention the increased risk I put on my elderly parents any time I do a job.
Which brings me to why I am here writing this. Like many on this page, I hate to ask for money… but I have run out of options. If I cannot raise the necessary funds by May I’ll lose my student visa entirely and have to reapply to SCAD, paying all their fees all over again.
I am asking all of you reading this, to please hear my story. I know everyone is in a tight position and may not have much to give. I feel all I have worked for is hanging on by one last thread of hope. The only thing between my dreams and I are $23k in order to pay my last 5 classes at SCAD along with what I currently owe to the school.
Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for any contribution. I cannot express how grateful I am for your consideration in helping me achieve my dreams.
Best,
Max
“Through chaos as it swirls, It's us against the world” - Coldplay
Organizer
Becca Hopper
Organizer
Atlanta, GA