Our communities need more doctors in rural and Maori communities. Help me finish medical school so I can help to serve in these communities
Auckland
Hi my name is Freeman.
I'm currently a 3rd year medical student entering 4th year in 2018. It's been an incredibly long and exhausting journey to get to where i am today, but it's all been worth it. At the moment, I can't finish my studies due to the lifetime limit on student loans. That means I won't get the opportunity to 1) become a doctor and serve the community I come from 2) have the opportunity to inspire and mentor others to get into the health workforce and 3) overcome the constant barriers (financial and social).
In order to gain entrance into the medical programme, I completed a conjoint degree in science/arts and then applied for postgraduate entry. I've now used up the lifetime limit of my student loan and am unable to complete the degree.
Until now, I've worked about 16-20 hours a week at a Cancer Treatment centre, trying to survive whilst attending a university. I've attempted to save as much as I can, but the reality is that I don't earn enough on my part time salary. My parents, while hardworkers, do not have the income to help fund my degree. I have a small savings, but the situation is now well and truly beyond my capabilities of achieving.
My time is limited, as I only have until the end of January to procure the funds needed. After that, I may be forced to leave the medical programme unless the current government removes the student loan cap.
To have it all end now would be be extremely disappointing. I love what I do, and I've never been one to give up without a fight. So I'm asking you to join and aid me in reaching my target. No amount is too little.
Please help out however you can, even with a share to Facebook.
Cheers. :)
To pay for 4th and 5th year of medical school at the University of Auckland.
A quick thank you! 10 December 2017
I've been extremely overwhelmed by the generosity and support over the past few weeks. It was extremely hard to put myself out there and ask for help, knowing full well that I would be subject to scrutiny, and conflicting opinions. However, you've all made this experience worth it.
It's not only the financial donations that have been overwhelming, but the messages coming through have been incredibly inspiring, and motivating. In fact, I feel like I should be studying even though University is over for the year.
Some of you have shared experiences with the student loan cap having affected you in some way, and have shared my frustrations. I hope to campaign throughout 2018 to help every other student that is affected by this situation, and hold the government accountable on their manifesto commitment.
I wish I could thank every single one of you, individually. I honestly cannot thank you all enough and I hope to work as hard as I can to earn the support and trust that you've all shown.
Merry Christmas and Happy new year!.
Hey Alfred, I totally remember who you are. You were probably the best on the day. It was extremely hard to be angry at you because your answers were extremely great. I even sat in when you answered another girl's questions just because I knew you'd give amazing responses, and you did. Thanks so much for helping me out! Welcome to the med family, you're gonna enjoy so much of it, and I'll definitely see you around. P.S - enjoy freshers. It's a great time intro to meeting people, and it's lots of fun. :)
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