The Art of Asking: A Tuition Appeal for Global Health

Asking is hard. It makes you completely vulnerable. It communicates that you are in need, you need help and that you can't do it alone. You are no longer in control and have to completely surrender to someone else's decision and choices to determine your fate in that moment. The irony, though, is that asking is the most vulnerable thing, but also the bravest thing you can do, because to fail and be rejected is always fair game…but you chose to do it anyway.

So here goes... I have to crowdfund for my tuition for this quarter and the rest of this year. It's a LOT of money, but I need your help.

As an international student, I don't qualify for federal financial aid in the US. This means I have to pay a ridiculously expensive tuition out of pocket. Needless to say, this has been a very trying process for me and my family. But **when you have a passion inside that burns so bright and so loud, but no clear means to actualize your dreams, you get creative.**

I've been sitting on this campaign for months, paralyzed by fear of failure and shame. But the times I feel most motivated to launch is when I get out of my own way and remember that nothing about my journey so far has been without asking for the support of my community: I offset my moving costs to Seattle from funds raised at a send off fundraising yoga class in Jamaica. I traveled to Nicaragua to serve at a free naturopathic clinic from funds raised on gofundme.com. I've barged into the presidents office pleading for more support international students. I've cried in the student services office requesting an increase in my opportunity grant. I've begged my family members for small loans. I've applied to every scholarship I can get my hands on like a full time job. And though the rejections have slapped me in the face many times over, I'm still here because I have received tremendous support from you.

But I still have 2 more years to go, and all known grants, scholarships and loans have now been exhausted. So here is the biggest ask of my life: I have set up a crowdfunding website with a fundraising goal. It is about the cost of one years' of tuition, and matches the magnitude of my commitment, passion, purpose and refuse-to-give-up-ness.

When I get very doubtful, I reason: if 350 people donate $100 I get to graduate. If 3500 people donate $10 I get to be the doctor I know will make a far reaching impact on you, your family, and our underserved global communities that need it the most.

**I know the goal seems daunting. But if I don't dream big for myself, who will? If I don't chose to not give up in the face of challenges, who will be brave for me?**

Your $100 counts. Your $10 counts. I am here for you as you are for me. I commit to sharing and spreading my knowledge and inspiration in naturopathic medicine and wellness as far a reach as I can.

I invite you to watch this 5 minute video here produced by Bastyr that highlights my life's story, journey and mission, and has already helped raise almost $100,000 in student scholarships! Then please donate as you feel moved. The link also describes why completing my training at Bastyr is so important to my goals after graduation.

Thank you in advance for believing in me, and for your support.

The journey continues......

Love,

Kimani

Do you know someone else that might be moved by this cause? Share this with them! Help me prove that a miracle mind set can manifest into achievable dreams and goals.