MASTER’S MISSION – GOAL R900 000
After obtaining my BA Information Design degree in 2014, I immediately knew that I would want to follow it up with a masters degree in the near future, as I absolutely love design thinking and using design methodologies as tools for problem-solving. So year after year, I would grapple with the idea of doing my masters and started doing my research, only to find that most of the programs that focus on design management and design thinking are only offered outside of South Africa. That, however, didn’t discourage me. My primary goal has always been to be the person that I would’ve liked to look up to when I was younger.
I never saw faces like mine, people of colour, in the advertising industry as a young girl, and I have personally been obsessed with being that person of colour that another little girl can look up to. So fast forward to 3 years later, tons of hours spent doing research and finding the perfect program to study, I found it. Masters of Science in Strategic Design & Management at The New School at Parsons. I then made a considered decision to take the first step and apply. With no concrete plan of how to make this happen, should I get accepted, I decided to go for it and follow on with a plan thereafter. I applied and after a few emails of reassurance from the school, I have been accepted into the program.
It’s an 18 month long program that will literally change my life, yes literally, change my life. Not only will it shift my whole way of thinking, but it will be a major step in the right direction in sharing my knowledge with each and every South African I work with here at home. From friends, family, colleagues and the NGO’s that I engage with, and anyone else who is willing to have this conversation with me. I am evidently excited about this program and incredibly eager to start this journey. However, it can all easily not happen if I don’t raise enough funds to cover my tuition, travels (visa and flights) and learning materials. I have been investigating all the options I have to make this master’s mission possible. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and my gut tells me to go for it. I may have a good 18 months to pull all the funds together, but it all has to start somewhere. So apart from the savings I have, and several bursary applications I have sent through, this platform is another way for me to get closer to obtaining that master’s degree.
What truly made me realise that education in Africa is hardly ever just for the student, but for everyone who engages with the person, was being introduced to many incredibly talented and inspiring kids through the Room 13 initiative in South Africa, in 2016. That experience of meeting the learners in every studio encouraged me to push further and study, as they reminded me of the aspirant little girl I was and still am inside. Their passion for creativity and wanting to learn against all odds is a quality I share with them through and through. If anything, this journey is not so much about educating one person, but investing in one of many up and coming African creative and minds.
The proceeds from this funding initiative will be put towards obtaining my master’s degree, but I will also ‘pay it forward’ by donating 720 hours of my time to the Room 13 initiative in whichever capacity they need me to. Any small and big donations are welcome and will greatly be appreciated. Share the message far and wide to keep the momentum going. On a lighter, but relevant note, an African quote says ‘ if you think you are too small to make a difference, then you have never spent the night with a mosquito’. My take on this simple concept is that we often believe we cannot reach certain goals or impact anything, and convince ourselves to let the world happen around us without intentionally contributing to how that may look like. Be the mosquito in the room and prove yourself wrong. If not for the person you are now, then do it for the child in you that once had dreams for you to chase.
Thanking you in advance for your contributions.