Fund my Future: Help Sitara go to Oxford!

When I was 12, one of my aunts brought me a bookmark from the University of Oxford library. It was a leather bookmark, with gold metal corners and gold embossing, and as she handed it to me, she said, "One day, you should go to Oxford." It took 15 years of waiting, but this year, that dream started coming true. I was accepted to a 1-year MSc Sociology program, where I will matriculate at Kellogg College and spend my time researching ways to measure the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in Pre-K to 12 education.

This field of study is deeply inspired by my four years working at the Lycée Français de New York, during which time I advised student affinity clubs including the Black Students Union, Queers and Allies, and the Asian Students Union; leading trainings on recognizing and combatting microagressions and homophobia; and helped moderate community spaces for parents, staff, and students alike. I’ve seen students dealing with many of the same issues I dealt with growing up, and have done my best to support them. But against the weight of years of societal and institutional bias, I found myself questioning if the work I was doing and the institution’s other “diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging” initiatives were actually making a difference.

The ultimate aim of my research would be to clearly identify which, if any, common equity and inclusion initiatives actually contribute positively to student outcomes and school environment; and develop ways to make schools a safe and supportive environment for marginalized students. I believe it would also have larger applications in international schools, NGOs, and social programs such as policing. After Oxford, I hope to continue working in education, continuing to provide marginalized and isolated students with support, community, and the tools to understand and impact the world around them.

But l need your help to make this vision real.

I've applied for student loans, and intend to work part-time and as a freelancer, but I've received no financial aid from the University. I'm asking for help with living expenses, moving costs, and tuition. The University estimates living costs for 12 months to be £16,140-£23,460; and tuition is £36,000. I've been (mostly) supporting myself off my income for years, but I live in the most expensive city in the world and don't have the means to cover any of this myself. This fundraiser would make it so that I don't have to worry about how to afford groceries or pay for a train ticket while I'm at school - an experience I was all too familiar with during my undergraduate studies.

If you've taken the time to read this, thank you! I really appreciate you learning about my dream, and helping make it happen. Your contribution, no matter the size, means a WHOLE LOT to me!