The donations of the UT-community (mostly students, employees, alumni as well as friends from the region) added up to an amount of almost 20,000 euros. The University Fund doubled the first 10,000 euros, resulting in a total amount of 30,000 euros for the Coronavirus Emergency Fund – sufficient to provide financial bridging to thirty students and PhD’s, says University Fund Fundraiser Josine Meerburg.
Out of options
Paloma Dueñas Robles, a now graduated master student in Chemical Engineering from Mexico, was one of the 30 people on the receiving end of the special fund. At first, she was a bit hesitant to apply for financial support, she says. ‘Usually I get support by my parents, but at that moment they had to close their business due to the corona situation. Also, at that time the Peso devaluated a lot, causing Mexican withdrawals to be very unfavourable. In normal situations, I would try to find a side job to earn some money. But my scholarship did not allow me te work and I really needed to finish my thesis. So I felt like I ran out of options.’
Huge relief
It was a difficult time for Paloma. ‘I was worried about the situation with my family in Mexico, I felt the pressure of finishing my thesis and I had to pay the last part of my tuition fee, which is a considerable amount of money. I was unable to focus on my study, being completely bothered with worries about the payment of the tuition fee, rent, food and other essential things. I even started having anxiety attacks. It was a huge relief when I heard that I could apply for this funding. Still it took me two weeks to actually apply for it, but I’m glad I finally did. I received funding for three months rent and groceries. When they told me that I was being supported, I was able to focus on my study again. And shortly after I found a job, so now I can provide for myself.’
Encouragement
Paloma is very grateful to the people who organized and contributed to the special crowdfunding campaign. ‘Their support did have a great impact on me: I regained focus on my study and finished my thesis. The timing was perfect: just when I really needed support, it was there. I just want to thank everybody, and encourage people who can afford to participate in something like this to keep doing it. It is very valuable for those who need it – your support provides much appreciated relief in very stressful moments. If there is ever any other funding, I would like to participate myself, now that I have a job. I am currently doing a PDEng at the UT – also possible thanks to the corona funding of the Twente University Fund and the people contributing to it.’
