Copenhagen Internship

Please consider packing a lunch for one day, brewing your own coffee instead of tipping your barista, having one less drink when you go out. The money that you spend on these seemingly insignificant things can make a monumental difference to me when added up. I figure that if 40 people donate $10, I would meet my goal. Imagine the difference you would make in my life if you then shared this with your networks...

In the summer of 2011, I was lucky to participate in a design summer school hosted by Yonsei University in Korea and lead by INDEX: Design to Improve Life. This program worked to teach methods of design thinking that literally improve lives. We focused on solving challenges presented by United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

After completing the summer school, I was one of twelve others from the program selected to participate in an internship with INDEX: Design to Improve Life in Copenhagen, Denmark for three months. I am hoping to live in Denmark from April through June of 2013.

Since graduating in May, I have had an extremely hard time finding a job in my field. I still work two separate part time retail jobs, and I have applied for well over 100 jobs, probably closer to 200. I have no experience and have not had an internship. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, one that will open all the right doors for me. I will not receive another opportunity like this. I am certain that this is my chance to get my perfect job and attain my own personal perfect future.

This internship is unpaid, as INDEX: Design to Improve Life is a non-profit organization. Since being awarded this internship, it has been impossible to think of any other option. I can't see any way but to go.

I work incredibly hard to be able to provide for my tiny family as it is. I became a caregiver and sole provider for my family nearly five years ago. While adding this expense is a great burden for me, it is also a HUGE investment in my future, one that I believe will be repaid in more ways than monetary gain. Despite everything I've endured, I feel optimistic. I still feel that things can get better. But only if we do something about it, and make things better. This is me making things better.

I have been working three jobs and freelancing as often as possible, usually working upwards of 65 hours a week. I know that I am going to have to work hard to be able to make ends meet both at home, where my husband is unable to work and will be staying, and in Copenhagen, where I'll have to pay rent and all living expenses. But I can only work so hard, and without some sort of help, I am faced with the crushing reality that this life-changing trip will in fact become impossible.

Being able to attend this internship means the world to me, and being faced with the possibility of not being able to go is devastating. Any amount that you can share with me, small or large, will make a monumental difference. So far, I've earned enough money on my own for the very expensive flight, but I still need enough money to survive in Copenhagen.

You can see relevant information pertaining to INDEX: at these links:
INDEX:Design to Improve Life
INDEX: on Facebook
Yonsei-INDEX: Design to Improve Life Summer School
INDEX: on Flickr