Dear Everyone,

This time marks a little over a year of being on the journey towards studying an international masters in film. Soon after I updated my campaign last year, with the intention to try again, I then put my all into re-applying to NYU and multiple international funding applications. From writing the essays, motivations and editing a portfolio; it was a lengthy yet fulfilling process because I knew this was definitely what I wanted. I also used this material to apply for additional masters programmes and scholarships in the United Kingdom. I did this so I could have a backup study plan in case a repeat of 2017 happened. All these applications accumulated to a lot of costs which this GoGetFunding campaign money thankfully financed.

The outcome of all these applications have come in slowly throughout 2018 hence I have waited until the last application result, which was recently released, to update you all now.

Firstly, NYU shortlisted me for the MFA 2018 Film Production class and I had an interview with them in February. I was notified in March 2018 that I had been placed on the waiting list. This meant I would need to wait in case a place opened up. As a result of this delay, my scholarship applications for NYU specifically could not go to the next round because I did not have an offer letter in time for their considerations. I consequentially received rejections and couldn't complete funding applications from the AAUW International Fellowship, Horovitz Fund as well as the P.E.O Scholarship (just to name a few). I remained hopeful however and stayed on the NYU waiting list for most of the year, in the hope that I could possibly land a spot.

Secondly, I also pushed towards pursuing a master's in the UK. I was shortlisted by the British Council for an interview with their panel in February 2018. I was encouraged by this development and redirected my effort on what was moving forward at the time. I paid for their required English academic IELTS test and passed it in June 2018. By July, I was placed on the waiting list till further notice.

I waited for what seemed like eternity for both these proposed opportunities to get back to me and thereby help me ascertain which direction I would pursue. NYU eventually told me a place would unlikely open up late in the year and months later, the British Council sent me a final rejection letter. This unfortunate outcome came with disappointment at first but great relief later because I was finally released to start planning my next career steps, without university and funding results hanging in the balance.

I am immensely grateful for the lessons this entire experience has taught me about perseverance, planning and faith. Thank you to all of you backers who decided to click on my story and come along with me on this journey. For those who wish to receive my receipts and certificate to see where the funds were used, you are welcome to email me through this campaign site and I'll send them to you.

With love and light,

Lucy