Mission: University

One down...five to go.

Most college in India is six semesters, so our little Mission: University team is on it's way. For most of our kids, the semester break coincided with the Christmas holiday, so nearly everyone was home at the same time. Sunny (3rd from left) is in the architecture program and didn't wrap things up until just before New Years; he's also in a five year program so he has a bit longer to go. But still, all eight students did overlap for long enough to pose for the attached picture. The first complete and official Misison: University pilot program participant's portrait!

The first semester marks are not in for everyone, but we do have a few highlights to report. In his BioTech program at Uttranchal University, Clifford (4th from left) received the 2nd highest marks in the class! And in her Social Work program at Himgiri Zee University, Sonia (5th from left) topped them all, finishing first! And while grade certainly are not everything, we are extremely proud of the hard work these kids are putting in.

In the coming weeks, we'll be preparing college applications for at least three more students. For those who know the farm kids, Rosie, Jackie and Coreena have all expressed interest in pursueing higher education. Coreena and Rosie already have sponsors...but if you or someone you know might be interested in sponsoring Jackie, let me know. He's a great kid, interested in potentially pursueing business. No hard numbers exist for Jackie's program just yet, but in general we've found college costs around $2000 - $2500 per year.

And so Semester 2 starts up and our Mission: University students are back at it. For everyone who helped make this possible, please know what a profound impact you are having in the lives of these children. None of them ever dreamed of going to college but thanks to your support, it's happening!

With deep appreciation,

John

College for our kids is in full swing and midtterm exams are complete. Many of our Mission: University students even took their first holiday home, traveling by bus for ten hours or more, leaving campus and enjoying a little break with old friends and family. Here' are a fewupdates on the program and the amazing work your donations are accomplishing.

After a delayed launch, Basanti is finally enrolled at Swastik Nursing School, preparing for a three year degree program in a highly-competitive field. According to a recent article in Business Today, India has only 0.7 doctors and 1.7 nurses available per thousand people…which all but guarantees Basanti a bright future.

But the work will be challenging. Without much science background, she knows what she’s up against. “I sometimes worry: will I be able to study science after studying art?” Basanti wonders. “But now I believe that I can do it and I would like you all to pray for me to be able to do it please.”

Clifford is now two months into his BioTechnology degree at Uttranchal University and things are going well. In his most difficult subject, Biochemistry, he earned 25 out of 30 marks on his first exam, which was the 2nd highest in the class.

But by his own account, college life didn’t start off so great.

“I cannot describe the feeling when I first stepped into college,” Clifford says. “Everything was new to me and for some time I felt alone. At the start, the days seemed longer than usual and boring too. The amount of stress and pressure that bumped into me each and every day got me thinking of how easy it would be to just quit. Somehow hours passed, days passed, weeks passed and here we are two months later. I feel so much more comfortable and relaxed than before.”

At a recent school-wide talent show, Clifford sang an Ed Sheeran song and played the guitar, eliciting screams of approval from the young ladies in attendance. The fact that he won the “Best in Show” was one of those college experiences he will never forget. 

One common theme we hear from our recent Mission: University students is a sense of excitement at just being in the wider world. Kamal is pursuing his Physical Education degree while making his own posse of friends. But he’s also exploring, taking in new experiences, making memories as well as striving for good marks in his courses.

“The most amazing things that happens in college,” Kamal says, “is that we get the chance to go out and see the other side of the world and that helps us to know what else is in it. I am really thankful for the sponsors who are working so hard to make our careers shine. THANK YOU SO MUCH.”

Sonia and Reeva are roommates at Himgiri Zee University, recently voted the best private college in Dehradun. Studying Social Work and Travel & Tourism Management respectively, these girls are getting their first taste of life in the world, making friends and learning new things.

“Before life was so different,” Reeva says. “I lived with people I knew and it was a simple and easy life. But staying here has helped me learn lots about what life really is…how to adjust and how to be independent.”

Sonia is adjusting to the new freedom as well, while enjoying her new course work. “I'm learning so many great things,” she says, “like how to understand the inner feelings and emotions of people.” After just two months she can already sense the profound impact this experience is having on her. “College will change my life,” she believes, “by teaching me to be a great social worker and to help others with the problems they are facing. College will make me a better person.”

Sunny’s architecture school is going well, with lots of field trips as a class to the Taj Mahal and next to Jaipur. Architecture is considered by many to be the most difficult major available. One report concluding: “On average those studying [architecture] work the most hours during the week, pull the most all-nighters, have the highest GPA, nap the least and are stressed out more than any other degree.” Luckily our Sunny is up for the challenge.

“What I love about college is when I sit in class and do projects and sketches,” Sunny says. “My classmates are so talented, they bring such beautiful artwork. Hanging out with them is fun. My dream is to be a well-known architect and design beautiful buildings. I want to be part of an organization to help people and create a beautiful environment.”

What we're discovering is: Like all kids, our kids need support. They need to know that they belong and that someone believes in them. As I remind them all often, they CAN do this, they DO belong and LOTS of people believe. Thank you all for not only supporting our kids financially, but in being a part of the wider support team that helps them all know they are worth it.

With love,

John