Mission: University

We’re thrilled to share some incredible success stories from our Mission: University graduates.

Trudy has completed her business degree and is now thriving in Delhi, working with American clients. And Sonia and Maya, who are both teaching in schools in Dehradun, are doing amazing work as well. Sonia’s artistic talents are being put to great use, as she’s constantly helping other teachers with art projects. Maya, meanwhile, is pursuing a master’s degree while working full-time. Rosey is interning at another school, preparing to graduate with her B.Ed degree in the spring. While Coreena and Chandani are working in Delhi and Bangalore respectively, employed at top hotels thanks to their hard work and Hotel Management degrees. It’s always inspiring to see these university students step into the work world and start careers that otherwise would not have been possible.

We also had a truly special celebration this week as Malika (another Mission: University student) turned 18! Malika is currently studying Hotel Management in Dehradun, and she had no idea what was in store for her big day.

Malika had been feeling sad about missing the chance to celebrate her 18th birthday on the farm with her brother and sister. But when she showed up at the restaurant, not only where there 12 other Mission: University students at the party, but her brother Indro and sister Jyotika were also bused in by Mission Director Clifton and his wife Priscilla for the big day. The evening was filled with laughter, a delicious meal, and long conversations—a perfect opportunity to catch up with our university students in person.

Education really can change a child’s life and this program is now giving all GSAM children the chance to pursue their dreams. Thank you all for helping make these success stories possible.

The Mission: University project began in the summer of 2019. I remember sitting with eight of our recent 12^th class graduates, asking if anyone wanted to go to college. All eight raised their hands.

Without knowing much about this, we hired a career counsellor, researched schools and majors, raised money, filled out applications, and eventually enrolled all eight in top colleges that fall. 

Of that original batch, the final member will be graduating soon, at the end of June. After five years, here’s how it's all worked out so far...

Clifford completed his undergraduate in Biotechnology from Uttaranchal University. He went on to complete a Master’s in Biomedical Science, specialising in Immunology at the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom. He is currently working as a Logistics Controller for a company based in Wembley, UK and is making plans to pursue his PhD. 

Job earned his undergraduate from Ewing Christian College in Allahabad and is now studying law at Lucknow University, considered one of the top schools in all of India. Job is working hard and has his eyes on becoming a civil judge one day.

Basanti completed her nursing degree from Swastik College of Nursing, then decided to start a family with her new husband. She has a baby boy and she’ll always have nursing to fall back on should she ever need it.

Kamal earned his Bachelor of Physical Educatoin and Sports from Jaspal Rana Institue and worked for a time at the Maxton Strong School as a sports teacher. He's now working for Bath & Body Works in their customer service center in Delhi.

Sonia finished her BA in Social Work and is trying to figure out how to put her degree to work in the real world. No job yet, but with a smile and a heart like hers...we have no doubt she'll find her way.

Sunny completes his 5-year Architecture degree next month from Dev Bhoomi University and has (fingers crossed) a paid internship at a top architecture firm in Tasmania. Our friends at S. Group, who funded his school fees, are talking about taking his education one step further. Not official yet, but here's hoping. It would be an amazing opportunity for Sunny.

Reeva just finished her 4-Year Travel and Tourism Management degree and is now looking for work. This is true for Jessica as well who completed her BA in Journalism & Mass Communication from Himgiri Zee University.

Since this humble beginning, the Mission: University project has grown to 30 students, offering a college education to all GSAM kids who want to continue their education. We are extremely proud of work being done by our kids and we are beyond thankful for every one of you who contributed to help make this possible. Thanks, everyone!