My name is Krystle Thompson, and I am incredibly grateful to have been accepted into a Master’s degree program in Music at California Baptist University in California. As the first person in my family to graduate from college, this opportunity to pursue a master’s degree is especially meaningful to me. It represents an important personal and professional milestone as I continue to grow as a musician and educator. My long-term goal is to return to Trinidad and Tobago and contribute to music education, particularly at the university level. I want to use the knowledge, training, and experience I gain through graduate school to help develop, encourage, and inspire the next generation of musicians and music educators here at home. I have been blessed with a partial scholarship toward my first year of study. However, pursuing graduate school internationally comes with significant additional expenses, including tuition, living expenses, educational materials, travel, and other related costs. My fundraising goal is TT$90,000 (US13,274) I am humbly asking for your support as I work toward raising this amount to help me begin my graduate studies and cover some of the financial costs associated with this journey. Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a difference. Whether it is TT$50, TT$100, TT$500, or whatever you are able to give, your support will bring me one step closer to reaching my goal. If you are unable to contribute financially, I would be incredibly grateful if you could share this fundraiser with your family, friends, colleagues, church, organizations, and other networks. A simple share could help connect me with someone who is able and willing to support this journey. This opportunity means more to me than simply earning another degree. It is an opportunity to grow, to serve, and ultimately to bring what I learn back home to Trinidad and Tobago and invest it in the next generation. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering supporting me. Whether through a financial contribution, sharing this fundraiser, or simply encouraging me along the way, I truly appreciate your support and belief in what I am working toward.

FIRST CITIZENS BANK