Please Help Me Raise Money To Study In Israel!

 

Many of you know that I am planning on studying abroad this summer in Israel with Arizona State University. But, studying abroad is not covered in our financial aid packages, even though I will be receiving summer tuition credits! In order to help see my dream of studying counter terrorism in a foreign country, while pursuing my passion for serving inner city youth, I am fundraising to help with my travel costs and education!

Today, I would like to share with you excerpts from my GoFundMe campaign in hopes that you could donate and share with your social networks to help spread the word and help me accomplish my dreams!

Although many of you may know me from my involvement with the personal finance blogging community, specifically my involvement with the Plutus Awards for the past three years, many of you may not know that I was orphaned at age 15. My mother passed away two days before Christmas during my freshman year of high school. After being through a traumatic experience, I was passed away from relative to relative, basically for my social security benefits, until I was old enough to move out and support myself on my own.

These circumstances have left a lasting impression on me, and as a result I am passionate about working with inner city youth. While going back to school full time to finish my dual bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice, I work full time for a non-profit in a junior high school in urban Phoenix helping youth prepare for college and life.

Since being on my own as a teenager meant being responsible for my own education I haven’t had the traditional college experience.  I’ve always had to work full-time while going to school.

While working full time, I was able to graduate with an associate’s degree, and I was the first in my family to graduate college with any degree. Now I’m in my second semester back in school for my bachelor’s.

Last semester, I made the Dean’s List, was invtied to join the honors society,and was presented with the opportunity to study abroad in pursut of my degree. I will earn 6 college credits over the summer and finish my degree on time even while working full time. The program in Israel will give me valuable experience for my aspirations to help others.

Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and because my life experiences have pushed me in the direction of and have given me a passion for working with troubled inner-city youth through non-profit work, I am asking for financial assistance before the opportunity passes me by,

By donating to my GoFundMe campaign, you will give me the opportunity to focus on my education and my passion for helping kids overcome barriers that are similar to mine. Any money raised will go directly to my tuition, and my travel expenses, and will go far in helping me achieve my dreams.

Thank you!