Jobe Smetana Wagner Up With People

Instead of being discouraged by the recent global tragedies, I have decided that now is an important time to bring the message of Up With People to the world. The message of peace and cultural understanding will always be relevant. I will be part of a group of strangers my age, brought together from all corners of the globe and asked to work in harmony, to break through cultural and language barriers and to give the world a glimpse of what world peace could look like. Just as the founder of Up With People and Dr Martin Luther King, Jr shared a similar dream of unity and leadership, my decision to travel with UWP has been a dream of mine ever since I can remember.  So, I have been accepted to travel with Up With People in January 2017. During my 6 month experience I will live with local host families, inspiring youth, and connecting with people from around the world through the power of music.

Incredibly, both of my parents, Lisa Smetana and Steve Wagner, traveled for 12 months with UWP in 1991 as a part of the one and only Cast F!

In 2017, tuition to travel with UWP for 6 months costs nearly $15,000. I plan to pay for my experience with a combination of working hard, applying for grants through Up With People and local associations, reducing my living expenses, I have sold my car already, and asking for your monetary contribution . So, as this journey begins, I would appreciate all the support I can get to make this dream possible! Thank you, Jobe Smetana Wagner