Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this for real?
A: Yes. This is my last-ditch attempt to get enough money together to afford graduate school, which has been my dream for years.

Q: You sure this isn't some kind of joke?
A: No, this is not a joke. If it were, it would be much funnier.

Q: Are you really going to attend Columbia University?
A: Yes, I've been admitted for Fall 2006. If you need proof, I can send you a copy of my official acceptance letter.

Q: What initially inspired you to do this?
A: Well, I'm carrying a large amount of debt and had some minor financial setbacks, with the result that I've saved very little to attend grad school. No one person I know has $40,000 to give me, but I thought if I could harness the power of the Internet to get 40,000 people to donate a dollar to my cause, I'd be set!

Q: Why are you asking other people for money? Aren't there other ways to make or get money?
A: Good question. There are other ways, and I've been exploring as many of those other ways as I can. I've applied for grants, loans, scholarships and other funds. I come from a single-parent family, and although they can provide love and moral support, my mom and siblings can't afford to lend me much money. I have held a job ever since I was 16 years old, and I will continue to work and support myself when I move to New York. None of these options will even begin to cover the total amount I will need.

Q: Don't you have a job or something?
A: Why yes, I do. Until the end of June 2006, I will continue to work at the Harvard Film Archive at Harvard University. It's an AWESOME job where I get to watch movies every day. But after six years of work here, I've realized that I need to get a master's degree. (I've also realized that living in Cambridge is expensive.)

Q: What about getting a loan?
A: I have applied for loans, but I can only qualify for up to $18,000, which is a far cry from the $57,000 I need for a year at Columbia.

Q: How will you use the money? What are your plans after you graduate?
A: I will use the money to cover the costs of a year's tuition at Columbia. I'll take care of other things like rent, textbooks, health insurance, transportation, and ramen (aka Purina Student Chow) myself. I am applying for an MFA in film production, and I plan to make documentary films after I graduate.

Q: How do I know you won't just drop out of school?
A: Well, I have a pretty impressive track record of finishing what I start. I'm also highly motivated and driven to succeed. Frankly, I'm more likely to drop dead than drop out.

Q: Do you have a deadline?
A: Yes. I hope to have reached my goal of $40,000 by August 2006. That's not much time...

Q: Can I keep track of what you're doing?
A: Yes. I will be posting frequent updates here, so check back often.

Q: Is my gift tax-deductible?
A: Sadly, no. I am a private individual, not a non-profit organization. But I'm not asking for sizable donations, just a dollar or two. Or you could support me in other ways (see below).

Q: I'm not really comfortable with making a donation. Can I buy your art to support you instead?
A: I thought you'd never ask! Of course you can! Take a look at my portfolio. Karin and I are selling all our Girls on Film artist proofs for $100 per image. My Black Haired Girl collages sell for $1000 per original collage. My Self Centered images are $100 each.

Q: Where do you live?
A: Currently I live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but I'll be moving to New York City in August 2006.

Q: Could you tell me more about yourself?
A: Sure. Please see my bio page.

Q: I am a journalist and I'd like to ask you a few questions. How can I contact you?
A: Please see my contact page.

Q: This is the coolest idea ever! How can I spread the word?
A: Tell your friends, please! You can also link to my site.

Q: Did you write that Wikipedia entry?
A: No! Geez. My sister wrote it. I tried to delete it, but Wikipedia thinks I'm a legitimate artist. Shows what they know.