Throughout my educational journey, I have strongly debated about what my end goal should be; or where I find myself in the coming years. I have always engaged in my community and school as much as I could because it is something I am truly passionate about. Although, something I never came to doing was deciding exactly what I wanted to do with my life, I knew I want it to be something beneficially impactful to others, but still haven't figured it out. That is why running to college straight out of high school was not my top choice. One of my strongest passions has always been traveling, and servicing those who do not have the same privileges as me. I have found that the best way to gain knowledge is by broadening your cultural experiences and seeing as much of this world as you possibly can while you are here. This is why I come to you today with what I plan on doing in the next coming year. While most of my friends will be entering their first semester in a variety of different colleges, I will be taking a gap year around the world to three different continents and nine different countries. My main focus on this journey will be my service trip in Thailand, where I will be working with the health of elephants and helping to build schools while also teaching young children English. In addition to my service trip, I will also be broadening myself to a third language, Italian. My language study will take place in Rome, where I will eventually gain my official trilingual certification. In addition to all of these amazing countries and my engaging life changing opportunities, I will also be participating in an internship that will take place in Madrid. During this portion of my trip, I will be expanding my leadership abilities and gaining the knowledge I need for real world jobs and experiences. Overall, I will be able to gain a monumental amount of experience and knowledge, while also immersing myself in a multitude of different cultures. These are three things that will aid me for the rest of my life, and eventually take me farther on whatever path I decide to take after this upcoming year. And most importantly, I will be on a personal journey for well-being and growth, two things I hope to be able to resurface while on my Gap Year. This trip will be taking place in the end of August, therefore the time to gain these hefty funds is very limited. I am asking for any amount that may be able to help make this trip more possible for me. Although it may be a very expensive educational encounter, the life experiences I gain from helping myself grow and also aiding others better their lives will no doubt carry with me for a lifetime. Thank you to anyone who does decide to donate and help aid myself (and others) for this upcoming life-changing year, it is very much appreciated!!!

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