Support Muskaan for her Master's Education at Harvard University

Dear well-wisher,

I have recently secured admission at Harvard University to pursue my Master's education in Human Development and Education program with a concentration in counselling.

I'm the youngest person from India admitted to the Harvard Graduate School of education and the first woman from my district to be offered this prestigious opportunity.

1. My academic and professional background :

I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and have been awarded a merit certificate for securing the first position in my first semester in Psychology and for securing a merit position under 27 institutions at Panjab University.

I have worked in Edtech startups, mental health organisations, non for profit organisations and UN-affiliated organisations for 4 years in the domain of education policy, research, school management, teaching, community management and counselling.

My goal is to spread awareness in Indian schools to have Psychologists / Child Counselors for the healthy development of children and to collaborate with schools to introduce programs like SEL (Social Emotional Learning). The main purpose of “positive youth development” in the SEL programs is to set young people on a positive developmental trajectory so that they have the proper emotional skills to realize their potential and adapt to any obstacles they may encounter. Fostering healthy emotional skills in students serves as a combatant against the emotional distress that comes from the many trials and tribulations of growing up.

SEL improves children's social-emotional skills, attitudes about self and others, connection to the school, positive social behaviour, and academic performance and reduces students' conduct problems and emotional distress.

Along with SEL, I plan to introduce Quality performance Tests in the Indian education system which provide acceptance and autonomy to a wider group of students and signal to our diverse learning community that "Every Child Matters".

Master's of Education program in Human Development and Education at Harvard University will enable me to expand my understanding of how psychology can be most effectively utilized in schools to understand children and their development.

The Making Caring Common’s, Caring Schools Network (CSN) project at Harvard will help me learn about the best and proven interventions that can work in classrooms to support child development which I can incorporate in Indian schools as well.

Furthermore, the HDE School Counselling Strand program will provide me with the opportunity of fieldwork counselling which will enrich my experience and provide me with the opportunity to put theory into practice within schools which will shape me to be a counsellor who can promote positive, healthy academic and social-emotional development in schools and fulfil my dream of uplifting and supporting all children.

2. Why do I need Financial Aid?

After exhausting all other avenues to secure aid, I have started this fundraising campaign to support my education. Since I have been working for less than 4 years in NonProfit and government sectors, my savings can only cover up to 15-20% of my required tuition fee. I am taking a substantial low-interest loan from Harvard's Credit Union, and support from family and friends - this is the extent of aid I can garner for myself for one year at Harvard. For next year I hope to secure potential scholarships and cover the rest through part-time work and loans.

I have a demonstrable commitment to working in the education and child development domain and a detailed plan to continue to pursue this path. To this extent, helping me manage my debt will enable me to pursue my dreams in the human development and education space.

3. How can you help?

I humbly request you to support my dreams to the best of your capability, every gesture counts. If you know of societies/ individuals/ trusts who can help me with financial aid and scholarship, please help connect me to them. If you find my cause compelling, please consider donating. Kindly share the campaign widely on all social media networks.

Kindly reach out to me at bawamuskaan7@gmail.com for any queries or clarifications.

Thank you!

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