Hi, I’m Anna, and this fall I begin studying English Literature at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. But I need your help!
St Andrews offers the kind of academic community I have been working toward throughout high school: challenging classes, thoughtful discussion, an international student body, and the chance to spend four years immersed in books, writing, history, and ideas.
I was admitted after completing a demanding senior year that included five AP classes. Now I am working to overcome the final obstacle between me and starting university: the remaining cost.
What I Need Right Now
My most urgent expenses are:
- My four-year UK student visa which includes, £558,
- The required Immigration Health Surcharge, which provides access to healthcare while I am studying in the UK, £3104.
- My university deposit, which I need to pay so my accessible campus housing can be approved and finalized £4000.
These are time-sensitive costs. Paying them will allow me to complete the visa process, secure housing that works for me as a wheelchair user, and officially begin my first year at St Andrews.
What I’m Doing to Help Fund My Education
I am taking the maximum federal and private student loans available to me and contributing everything I can.
This summer, I worked at a camp for children with complex medical needs. It was meaningful work that allowed me to support children whose experiences I understand in a very personal way—and to earn money toward college.
I have also spent years using my voice to advocate for more accessible travel. Through my wheelchair-accessible travel work, I have shared honest information about navigating the world with a disability and helped show other wheelchair users that travel, independence, and adventure are possible.
Now I’m turning another part of my life into a way to help fund this next step: my art.
Original Art Created by Me
I have always loved drawing, painting, and creating tiny portraits. For this campaign, I am making a collection of miniature original artworks, also known as ACEOs or art cards.
Every piece is:
- Created and painted by hand
- An original, not a print
- Signed by me
- Small enough to collect, frame, display, or give as a gift
When you contribute at one of the art reward levels, you can receive an original piece as my thank-you. I will also offer a limited number of custom drawings at higher contribution levels.
You are also welcome to contribute without selecting a reward. Every dollar will help cover the costs of getting me enrolled, housed, and safely to Scotland.
Why St Andrews Matters to Me
As a lifelong reader, studying English Literature feels like the natural next step in my education.
I want to explore how stories shape the way we understand history, identity, disability, culture, and one another. I am excited to learn alongside students from around the world, become a stronger writer, and build a future shaped by the subjects I care about most.
St Andrews is not simply a place I want to attend. It is a place where I believe I can become more independent, challenge myself academically, and grow into the person and writer I hope to be.
How You Can Help
Please consider contributing and choosing one of my original artworks as a reward.
You can also make a contribution without requesting art or share this campaign with someone who loves books, original art, accessible travel, disability advocacy, or helping students pursue life-changing opportunities.
Every contribution—large or small—moves me closer to securing my visa, accessible housing, and place at St Andrews.
Thank you for believing in my work, my education, and the future I am working so hard to build!
~Anna
Perks
As a thank-you for your contribution of $10 or more, you’ll receive one of Anna’s original, hand-drawn miniature portraits, selected at random from her available collection.
Each 2.5 × 3.5-inch art card features Anna’s distinctive black-ink linework, expressive character design, a hand-painted watercolor background, and subtle gold edging. Every piece is completely one of a kind—never a print or reproduction.
Your portrait will be a surprise, making each envelope a tiny piece of original art chosen especially for you.
Each card is created by Anna, signed, and mailed with care. Portraits and background colors will vary.
With a contribution of $20 or more, you can personalize your original art card by choosing:
- Your preferred watercolor background color
- Either a “Spies and Guys” portrait or a Historical Figure
Anna will create or select a 2.5 × 3.5-inch miniature portrait based on your preferences. Each card includes her distinctive black-ink linework, hand-painted watercolor background, and subtle gold edging.
Every artwork is original, signed, and completely one of a kind. Because each portrait is drawn by hand, the exact character and details will be part of the creative surprise.
With a contribution of $40 or more, Anna will create a custom original art card inspired by a historical figure, author, artist, musician, actor, or other famous person of your choice.
You may choose:
- The person you would like the artwork to be inspired by
- Your preferred watercolor background color
Anna will interpret your selection in her own distinctive miniature portrait style, using expressive black-ink linework, a hand-painted watercolor background, and subtle gold edging.
Each 2.5 × 3.5-inch piece is drawn and painted by hand, signed by Anna, and completely one of a kind. It will be inspired by the person you select rather than created as a photorealistic likeness.
Highlights
See all activity8Activity
As a thank-you for your contribution of $10 or more, you’ll receive one of Anna’s original, hand-drawn miniature portraits, selected at random from her available collection.
Each 2.5 × 3.5-inch art card features Anna’s distinctive black-ink linework, expressive character design, a hand-painted watercolor background, and subtle gold edging. Every piece is completely one of a kind—never a print or reproduction.
Your portrait will be a surprise, making each envelope a tiny piece of original art chosen especially for you.
Each card is created by Anna, signed, and mailed with care. Portraits and background colors will vary.
With a contribution of $20 or more, you can personalize your original art card by choosing:
- Your preferred watercolor background color
- Either a “Spies and Guys” portrait or a Historical Figure
Anna will create or select a 2.5 × 3.5-inch miniature portrait based on your preferences. Each card includes her distinctive black-ink linework, hand-painted watercolor background, and subtle gold edging.
Every artwork is original, signed, and completely one of a kind. Because each portrait is drawn by hand, the exact character and details will be part of the creative surprise.
With a contribution of $40 or more, Anna will create a custom original art card inspired by a historical figure, author, artist, musician, actor, or other famous person of your choice.
You may choose:
- The person you would like the artwork to be inspired by
- Your preferred watercolor background color
Anna will interpret your selection in her own distinctive miniature portrait style, using expressive black-ink linework, a hand-painted watercolor background, and subtle gold edging.
Each 2.5 × 3.5-inch piece is drawn and painted by hand, signed by Anna, and completely one of a kind. It will be inspired by the person you select rather than created as a photorealistic likeness.
