US China Student Summit Trip

To my family and friends:

As a single mother raising two children, I have been very fortunate to be able to go back to school to work towards earning my Bachelors degree in Accounting from the University of Houston- Downtown. I am on schedule to graduate Spring 2015, and am currently maintaining a 3.86 and have received University Honors the last 2 semesters. It has been a lot of juggling & hard work for all 3 of us, but we have been pushing forward, knowing that a better future waits on the other side of this degree.

I have recently been chosen by my Faculty Advisor to attend the 2014 US-China Student Summit as a representing officer for the International Business Association of the University of Houston-Downtown. During the 13 days in China, we will explore and travel Shanghai, ending in Beijing for a two day US-China student summit. Some of the places we will visit are the Shanghai Financial Center, the Great Wall of China, and the Forbidden City.

The total trip cost of $4,105 includes airfare, visa, meals, hotel accommodations, and attendance to scheduled events. I have applied for & received scholarships totaling $1,500 to help cover part of the trip. I am hoping to raise the remaining $2,405 through friends, families, or businesses that would be willing to contribute.

I believe this will be an amazing experience that will help me see and understand the financial world outside of the US and how it relates to us domestically. In addition, the inclusion of this trip on my resume as a representative of the International Business Association will help with networking for my future career.
Any and all contributions will be GREATLY appreciated. If I am unable to raise the full amount needed to attend this summit, I will return the funds back to you. If you prefer, donations can be done offline via check or cash. 
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this & share with anyone you think can help!