Zaadz Scholarship Winner seeks Sponsorship Abroad

My Dearest Zaadz Community, In case you didn't already know, let me take this opportunity to come out to you. My name is Jes Levatter, and I am a comedian. No, please don't laugh, I take my comedy very seriously. One year ago I won Zaadz's "Change the World" scholarship by promising to change the world by spreading the messages of self-love through comedy. Zaadz believed in me, and inspired me to pursue my dream. Since then I have made incredible progress for an ameture comedian in just one year. I have a spot at the local comedy club in Madison, and have performed in three very successful sold-out shows since my audition. Last August my father drove up to see me perform live for the first time. Since that show, I have won over my entire family. I have also debuted in Chicago, and have become the most successful queer feminist comedian on campus (well, I'm one of the only female comedians in Madison, not to mention queer). I also wrote a senior thesis called The Ethics of Comedy under the one and only Dr. Claudia Card, a well-known feminist lesbian philosopher herself. In two weeks I will be completing my last semester as an undergrad studying abroad at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. I will be graduating on the Dean's List in July with majors in Philosophy, Sociology, and a minor in Gender Studies. Also, the stand-up comedy scene in Amsterdam is growing rapidly, and I will be delving into the international sphere as soon as I can. As Zaadz would say, "Have no Fear". There are two major European comedy competitions this summer, and I will take them over. The greatest news thus far is that I was just offered my dream job by an agency called Treading Together (treadingtogether.com). Upon my return from Europe, I will spend the fall traveling to college campuses as a professional motivational speaker and comedian. The best part about Treading Together is that it is the only professional speaker's agency that dedicates itself to social justice and progressive issues. I get to spread my messages, and I get to do it by being myself. With two weeks left to go, I just found out that I am not eligible for anymore grants/scholarships through UW. Out-of-state tuition for UW students, along with the study abroad fee, comes to a total of $11,400 for the semester! Thanks to so much help from my family, my tuition has been covered. Unfortunately, I am still currently working toward funding my living experience abroad. I need about $7,000, and I am asking for help from everyone who believes in my dream. I have been taking loans and donations from co-workers, friends, and even strangers who have seen my shows. I am infinitely grateful for any and all help, and no matter if it's a loan or a gift, consider it an investment. I promise that all the help I get will be paid forward. If you are interested in my revolution, please check out my website at homesliceprodutions.com. If you would like to donate to my cause, in whatever way feels right, please let me know. Zaadz believes in my dream, and I hereby dedicate myself to following through. I appreciate you and your time. Sincerely, Jes Levatter A Gentleman and a Scholar P.S. If you are interested in reading my thesis, I would love to send it to you. If you are interested in hiring me as a speaker, please contact my agent Adam Nelson at treadingtogether.com :)