Education, Exhibition, Urgent Living costs

Kia ora, Thank you for your time.

My name is Ash, I am 38yrs old and of Maori/Europan descent I grew up in West Auckland, I know I'm speaking for myself but I believe I'm a good person with a kind soul and heart. I always have time for others but especially have time for animals and often look after the stray cats n dogs. I am a person who has faced many losses and adversities in life. The odds keep stacking against me and I keep trying to fight back, this time is no different.

I have recently returned to full time study in the field of study I have actually been interested in my whole life but never fully pursued. 'The Arts''

I have just completed a Certificate in Creative Arts Level 4 through extramural studies from the Learning Connexions in Wellington. I passed with Merit (Above average scores) Despite my struggle with financial stress, and emotional stress, Depression and Loneliness. Which sometimes eats me up and freezes me.

This course really helped me develop my skills, and hone in on new and old skills, I have created more art in the span of 4 months than I have done in most of my life. I would like to continue on with the Diploma in Creative Arts Level 5. I believe my loan has been approved, but my Course related costs loan was declined as I had already used the amount within the 52 weeks for the Certificate course. As an adult I have found no grants or scholarships I am eligible to apply for and this has made things difficult.

I needed the grant to buy more art materials such as canvas, acrylic paint, print art making materials, ink, gel and glitter pens etc to carry out the Diploma successfully as well as create artworks for an up and coming student exhibition near the end of the year, and possibly get some exhibited in a local Art Gallery. I also needed it for Urgent living costs, and the decline of this grant has left me in a vulnerable position.

I have tried to ask Studylink to reconsider my application for assistance, to no avail, I tried contacting a member of parliament I know, and, I have tried all websites and avenues for grants and scholarships, including my iwi/tribal affiliations, most grants are only available to school leavers or those studying in certain fields of study, or a certain level of study. i.e. a PHD or a Masters degree..I have been through so much in my life, from bullying, loss, grief, heartache, rejection. Not a lot of luck fitting into the system and society. So I am following out my passions and Art is something I always went back to in my times of sadness or loneliness.

My travels, Depression, Loss and situations have inspired my latest art, as well as my own culture and many other cultures I have connected with along the way. I do Mandala, Sacred Geometry, cultural art, very fine intricate designs, and abstract landscape art. I use multi media. I hope to inspire others to travel, I hope to connect with others on depression, grief and sadness, PTSD. I could possibly soon look at being an art therapist. But I still have a lot of work to do on myself and life.

I currently only get $235 a week, so it has not been a lot to save after rent and food to put money aside for these things. Even with strong efforts to budget and keep costs down I am still short on funds to pay for the extra costs.

So I really do hope you can support me especially the urgent matters. I thank you for opening your minds and hearts. Sincerely, Ash.