Mission: University

Hey everyone. Well, a month ago, three more students - Seeya, Jyotika and Rina - left for Dehradun to begin their degree programs at Graphic Era University. It’s a solid, respected college and it offers programs that can genuinely change our kids' futures. Degrees like these open doors to careers that offer not just better salaries (often at least double what’s available without a degree) but better growth opportunities too. It’s not all about money, of course, but let’s be honest. A good pay check sure doesn’t hurt!

Clifton travelled up with the girls to get them settled in. The goodbye at the farm was emotional, but the mood quickly shifted to anticipation as they drove off. There was even a burst of laughter when the girls spotted a camel riding in the back of a truck. You never really know what you’ll see on Indian highways.

Seven tough hours later, they reached campus, and then the real work began. While the girls had already been accepted, the official admission process was still to come. It was absolutely gruelling. Hours of paperwork, legal affidavits, passport-size photos, form after form, and line after line. One office to another and back again. By the end of the day, everyone’s feet hurt and their brains were fried. A big part of getting it all done was thanks to Debbie and Roshni - two of our MU students already in their second year at Graphic Era – who met us there and helped navigate the chaos!

Eventually the girls were shown to their hostel room, a six-shared room with just one other student (for now) who seemed kind. Their warden was helpful, and the room felt safe and clean. There were a few laughs over the “Beware of Snakes” signs on campus. Adjusting to life in such a big, new environment will take time, but so far they’re doing well.

On the way up, there was one moment that caught everyone off guard. Clifton glanced out the window and spotted a billboard. And there, smiling down from a giant advertisement for the college, was Coreena – one of our very own MU graduates. After finishing her BHM degree last year, she was selected for an elite management training program run by the TAJ hotel group, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel brands. And now, she’s their literal poster girl. It was a moment of disbelief and pride all rolled into one.

That’s what this program is about. Not just college access, but long-term transformation. And one student we’re still rallying support around is Amos. He's already at school to begin his own hotel management degree. Everything is in place – except the final bit of funding. His full four-year program will cost around $11,200 (about $2,800 per year). Some of that is already covered, but there’s still a significant way to go.

If you’ve ever considered helping a young person take their next step, this is one of those moments. Supporting Amos means investing in the kind of future that changes not just one life, but many.

We’re proud of the girls. We’re amazed by Coreena. And we’re cheering for Amos as he prepares to leave. Thank you for believing in this wild, hopeful, beautiful leap of faith we call Mission: University.