Pay it Forward: Send a Teen Abroad
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Alex, one of my best friends from high school, recently became the foster mother to a 17-year-old junior in high school named Catherine. Alex is a dean in Catherine’s high school, as well as the coordinator of the high school’s study abroad program, the school’s founder and coach of the school’s track team, in addition to being a personal trainer at night and on the weekends. A few short months ago, Catherine had a series of unfortunate events occur and she had no place to live. This honors student, enrolled in AP classes, was struggling in more ways than one. Alex decided to take her in and become her foster parent. When I asked Alex why she was doing this and if she really wanted to be responsible for a teenager on top of all her other responsibilities, her answer was, “Yes! I want to pay it forward. People have given me opportunities in life when I needed them most and now it’s my turn.” Over the past few months, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know a smart, sweet, funny, teenager who is now considered part of the “family.”
This April, Alex is one of the educators from her high school taking 40 students to Germany, Italy, and Switzerland on an educational trip of a lifetime. (Click here for tour description) When I inquired if Catherine would be joining her, I was sad to learn that due to financial constraints, she wasn’t. As an avid traveler, I know the lifelong benefits that one trip abroad can offer. I believe Catherine deserves the opportunity to spend spring break with some of her fellow classmates in Europe. This trip would give this child the opportunity to be exposed to new cultures, build positive relationships with the staff and students, and make priceless memories.
When I asked Catherine why she wanted to be part of this trip her response was, “I want to explore the world and broaden my horizons. I want to see what else is out there besides what I am used to.” Just like my dear friend Alex decided to pay it forward and help Catherine, now it’s our turn. Any donation, big or small, would help to meet the goal of $1,750. This money would allow Catherine to possess her very first passport. It would also pay for airfare, hotels, meals, excursions, tours, and even some spending money for souvenirs. With your help, we can make a deserving teenager’s wish come true.
This video, especially the end, highlights these two ladies- perfectly.
Athlete Spotlight & SO MUCH MORE!
This April, Alex is one of the educators from her high school taking 40 students to Germany, Italy, and Switzerland on an educational trip of a lifetime. (Click here for tour description) When I inquired if Catherine would be joining her, I was sad to learn that due to financial constraints, she wasn’t. As an avid traveler, I know the lifelong benefits that one trip abroad can offer. I believe Catherine deserves the opportunity to spend spring break with some of her fellow classmates in Europe. This trip would give this child the opportunity to be exposed to new cultures, build positive relationships with the staff and students, and make priceless memories.
When I asked Catherine why she wanted to be part of this trip her response was, “I want to explore the world and broaden my horizons. I want to see what else is out there besides what I am used to.” Just like my dear friend Alex decided to pay it forward and help Catherine, now it’s our turn. Any donation, big or small, would help to meet the goal of $1,750. This money would allow Catherine to possess her very first passport. It would also pay for airfare, hotels, meals, excursions, tours, and even some spending money for souvenirs. With your help, we can make a deserving teenager’s wish come true.
This video, especially the end, highlights these two ladies- perfectly.
Athlete Spotlight & SO MUCH MORE!
Organizer
Alicia Marcinkowski
Organizer
Little Neck, NY
