UPDATE! Help Send Ibu Dian to Syracuse University!

UPDATE: First and foremost, a huge thank you to all who have donated so generously. Every contribution is greatly appreciated. Every contribution makes a positive impact on Ibu Dian’s future.  I am so gratified by how many in our community have rallied around her to raise more than $5,500 USD in such a short time frame. Thank you!  

Second, I have some big news and an important update to Ibu Dian’s plans. In addition to gaining entry to Columbia University, Ibu Dian has earned a place at Syracuse University’s School of Education to study for a Masters of Science in Teaching and Curriculum. Wow!  It is not at all surprising that more than one school wants Ibu Dian.  And, it will be Syracuse that is fortunate enough to welcome her.  

Although Columbia’s reputation and program are stellar, the cost is simply too high. Despite our excellent fundraising efforts, we remain too far from our target to allow Dian to attend Columbia without also taking on substantial loans. Thus, after a great deal of concerted thought, Dian has decided that attending Syracuse is the more prudent decision.

Syracuse is an excellent and well respected University, provides a more intimate setting that offers a highly personalized program to suit Dian’s interests and talent - and the cost is significantly more affordable.  According to Dian’s calculations, her expenses for a single academic year - tuition & fees ($32,116) pre-departure expenses ($1,350) and living expenses ($18,160) - total $51,626. With her Fulbright grant of $35,000 and an award from Syracuse of $13,931, that leaves a much smaller shortfall of just $2,695 per year. Because it is a two year program, I am delighted to report that you have collectively, come together to fund that goal!

HOWEVER, I strongly believe that Dian has under estimated her living expenses at just $18,160 per year. The cost of rent alone (private room in a shared house) is almost half of that sum and leaves Dian only $9,760 to pay for food, transport and any other necessities over a full year. At best, this is survival mode.  To that end, please don’t consider this campaign complete! 

Let’s ensure that Ibu Dian can do better than survive her two years at Syracuse and work together to support a more realistic cost of living.  If we assume a cost of $20,000 per year, that leaves a shortfall between her funding and her costs of just $3,615 per year. And significantly reducing our fundraising goal from the original amount at over $35,000 to just $7,230  makes it all that much more achievable!!! We are SO CLOSE! 

Please, if you have already donated, share this update with others who may also want to support Ibu Dian. And if you haven’t contributed yet, please make a donation today and bring us to our new end goal!

ORIGINAL CAMPAIGN:  Ibu Dian’s dedication and determination has always made her special. This high honor and amazing educational opportunity can make an enormous impact, not only on her own education but also, ultimately, on the education of her fellow Indonesians, when she returns to this country enriched with new knowledge, a fresh perspective and the skills to serve as a leader for positive educational change in Indonesia. 

The cost of tuition and living expenses in New York City is high. Fulbright has granted Dian $35,000 and Columbia has awarded her a scholarship of $13,700. But tuition and fees alone are over $58,000. And that does not take into account living expenses for the year.  All together, the estimated costs for one year are almost $84,000.  Her total shortfall is $35,500.

Dian has made a profound impact on so many of our children. For my kids, she has opened up new ways of thinking, helped them to believe in their own abilities and encouraged their curiosity, creativity and tenacity. I am certain that many other parents can say the same.  Dian has always gone above and beyond. Always. Whether it is by encouraging participation in math competitions, traveling with her students to support them (using her own money), inspiring a love of math, engaging your child to speak in Indonesian, try a little harder, find her voice or believe in his ability, she is a positive and powerful force for encouraging a love of learning and inspiring a desire to learn more. 

Dian is a treasure whom Green School has been incredibly lucky to have. She has given our children and our school so much.  Please please consider giving back and making a contribution to support her! Every amount, no matter how much will help move her closer to her goal. 

To learn more about Fulbright:  https://www.aminef.or.id/

To learn more about Teacher’s College, Columbia University: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/