Help Sharon Get to Concordia!

THE BACKSTORY

Hello! My name is Sharon Chirau and I am raising funds to go study my Master’s Degree in Environmental Assessment (MENV) at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. This is a dream that’s been 8 years in the making. I graduated in 2010 with my BA Honours Degree in Environmental Studies and I was the best graduating student in my Faculty. Completing this degree helped to strengthen my interest and knowledge of the environmental world as well as fuel my relentless desire to pursue studies and a career in Environmental Assessment.

Whenever someone asks me “Why Environmental Studies?” I always respond by saying that I did not choose Environmental Studies, Environmental Studies chose me. I have never been more grateful that it did. The reason I say this is because from the moment I first learned the word 'photosynthesis' back in 4th Grade right through to studying Environmental Studies as a major in University, my grades, coupled with a growing curiosity to know more about the environment, all seemed to line up. In other words, what started off merely as having outstanding grades in Geography turned into a fiery passion that has never dissipated till today. It is this passion that has led me to seek funding assistance wherever possible to bring this dream to fruition.

I was initially accepted for Fall (September) Semester 2018 but I had to defer to commence in the Fall Semester 2019 instead due to lack of adequate funding. I chose Concordia University out of all the universities because it was the only university I came across that offered a Masters in Environmental Assessment as a stand-alone program and not part of a more generalised Environmental studies program. To top it off, it comes with a four-month internship program that gives students an opportunity to put into practice what they are learning in a real life setting at various companies that partner with the University and provide future hiring opportunities after graduation. This was a game changer for me because Environmental Assessment has always been a field I’ve wanted to specialise in. I believe with all my heart that Concordia is the right fit for me.

THE COSTS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

My program is taught-based and not research-based so therefore does not have a research Supervisor. Supervisors assist students in acquiring funding for their researches, thus, without one I am solely responsible for finding my own funding. The University can offer the remaining financial assistance only after PhD and MSc research students have been assisted. However, my program advisor encouraged me to do all I can to just get started so I can be eligible for various bursaries and assistantships that open up once you have been officially enrolled as a student.

My plan is to raise the tuition and related expenses for the first semester and once I start, immediately apply for either an assistantship, work-study programme or any other bursaries or merit-based scholarships that become available when I enrol. Here is an estimated breakdown of the tuition and other related costs for the first semester only:

Upon completion of this MENV program, I intend to grow my career as an Environmental Consultant/ Planner either for an independent consulting firm or a local, provincial or federal government agency. I also plan on proceeding to do a PhD in the same program. My ultimate goal is to start my own Environmental Assessment Company that redefines Environmental Assessment and Management and brings about a positive transformation in how the world at large tackles sustainability and on-going climate change.

The contribution I am making towards this journey is I intend to pay for my own travel to Montreal and cater for any other unforeseen expenses with the few savings I have accumulated. Hence, The amount that you are able to sponsor will most definitely go a long way as it will guarantee that I am able to register and enrol for my first semester. I know it’s a great leap of faith but for what I intend to achieve with this program I am more than willing to take that leap. Words will never be enough to express how much your generosity and wanting to partner with me in this journey will mean to me. As said by the great Mahatma Ghandi:

“Generosity consist not of the sum given, but the manner in which it is bestowed.”

The fact that you have the willingness to support a dream and extend a helping hand is the very essence of generosity and I can never be grateful enough.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and please accept my most heartfelt and deepest gratitude. If you wish to know more about my journey to Concordia or have any other questions regarding this please do not hesitate to drop me an email: [email protected]

With Love and Blessings,

Sharon.