Dear Friends, Supporters & Fellow Foodies,
I am writing this note, because for once I’m willing to admit that I need help. Those of you that know me know that this is indeed a significant feat. Despite my extremely social nature, I tend to keep my personal struggles bottled up even from those closest to me.
I came to this country as my mothers dependent, and in a few short months my immigration status will be revoked as she nears retirement. In order to stay in USA and begin my graduate studies at NYU Steinhardt I need to switch to an F1 student visa. To be eligible for that visa I need to be able to fund this year at NYU.
After overcoming significant obstacles, I now have the opportunity to pursue a Masters in Food Studies at NYU, which will open up so many doors for me. As I stated in my admissions essay I have “my sights set on becoming a professionally trained culinary artists and educator specialising in Pan-African cuisine, I want to practice my trade in a socially responsible and sustainable fashion. As such I am highly invested in understanding and positively influencing the dynamics and politics surrounding food and food policy on the continent.” It is my firm belief that the skills I will gain from this program will not only enable me to pursue my passion of studying and teaching but will also afford me the opportunity to do much needed research into the cultural intricacies surrounding food practices on the african continent.
Since I graduated from my undergraduate studies I have immersed myself in a foodie universe. I run a food blog aintnomamaput.com and I launched a small-scale personal catering service Khandja Kalabash. Through my work as an Afro-fusion foodie I hope to encourage the preservation, appreciation and proliferation of African culinary practices & cuisines. I combine traditional and contemporary methods and ingredients to introduce new dimensions of flavour to African cuisine. I truly believe that food is connected to every essential part of the human experience, and is a candid way of expressing LOVE.
I want to thank you for taking time to read my appeal. It means a lot to me that you are willing to stand with me to help me stay in the country to achieve my goals of furthering my education. You are essentially making a huge dream come true. Your support, love and donations will not go unappreciated. Each person that stands with me will become a part of my village, and as such I will dedicate my first significant contribution to the culinary academy to you. If you live in the NY area and need a personal chef I’m also available for hire. I can be contacted at khandjakalabash@gmail.com its been said that my fare makes tongues dance!
Many thanks,
Iyayi-Osazeme Oyegun (Osazeme Oh)
