Erin Cramer hasn't added a story.

Awareness of diversity, adversity, tolerance and community are being emphasized in students at a very young age - and it should be. In a world with growing acknowledgement of acceptance and tolerance, why shouldn't out children be taught to readily accept differences free of judgement.



As a future educator focusing on children with special needs, I see the importance. In order to teach on acceptance, awareness and unity, one needs to fully understand it themselves. For this reason, I am wanting to study abroad.



By going Ghana, Africa, I will immerse myself in the culture of the place where slavery started. I will travel and see the difference slave castles that Africans were held, tortured and killed before being shipped off as slaves. As a Caucasian living in America, this will be uncomfortable. To be surrounded by the true reality of our countries history while interacting with the direct decedents of the families that we helped tear apart.



Our of the knowledge I will receive and the perceptive I will gain, I will be a better educator for the future children of our nation.



I am a about to begin my senior year as a full-time non-traditional student at GVSU. I work full-time at a small family business and also own my own even smaller business from within. In order to accomplish my goal of this trip, I need assistance with funding. In the Spring/Summer there are fewer opportunities as far as financial assistance goes (fewer grants). Every dollar gets me closer to my goal. Anything (including motivating words) is greatly appreciated.