Thanks to your contributions in 2023, the wonderful A was able to register for her second year of university last September. I've seen her absolutely work her socks off, despite injuries, losses and health difficulties, and I'm full of admiration for her. Now registration for third year is approaching, for which she needs to pay her fees in full from second year. I'm hoping so much that we can get her even part of the way there.
Background
Some background in A's own words, from last year's fundraiser
'I’m an international student at the University of [redacted], who is [struggling with] financial difficulties. I decided to leave home in [redacted], Peru, to pursue a degree in English literature at my dream university. Money has always been tight, so I knew that to attend university in England, I would have to get a scholarship. After lots of hard work, I was awarded a [redacted] Scholarship for International students that covers 10,000 pounds out of my international student tuition fee. My mother, who is back in Peru, was committed to covering the rest of my tuition fee. However, she suffers from coronary heart disease, she has had two heart attacks in the past, and undergone heart surgery. On top of that, my father passed away from cancer when I was twelve, so she only receives a window pension of not even sixty-five pounds per month. The current economic situation in Peru is very unstable, resulting in poor results for my mother’s antiques business.'
Here's an update from A.
'This degree means the absolute world to me. In the two years I have been studying English literature at [redacted], I have learned so much. Literature continues to challenge, shock and enthrall me. My course has been everything I had hoped for when I decided to apply to university in the UK and pursue my dreams. I have had the pleasure of being taught by incredibly talented and passionate tutors, and meet the loveliest of people. During my second year at uni, I have been thrilled by the gothic, dazzled by the modernists and contemplated a lot of my life through postmodernism. I feel so incredibly grateful to have had the pleasure of experiencing this. To still be here.
But I want to make it through until the end. We are already two thirds of the way. There is only a little bit left to go. Nerdily enough, I want to write my dissertation on Sylvia Plath and the end of girlhood. I want to spend my final year of university next to friends that have now become my family. And in the future, to be able to pursue a career in publishing. To work as editor the way I’ve dreamed of since I was twelve years old sitting in my English classroom back in school in [redacted - city in Peru]. I am so close to getting this degree I’ve been working so hard on. Please help me stay and achieve this.'
Thank you
I have no idea if we can raise anything close to the sum needed this year - I know there's so much need at the moment, and people are stretched really tight. I'm setting up this fundraiser in part because so many of you have asked after A, and asked me to let you know if you can follow up last year's fundraiser with further help.
We have no expectations. Anything at all you can give is astounding. We are so grateful.