Ariana to Africa
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Hi Y'all!
My name is Ariana Castillo. I am a senior at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, studying Forensic Psychology and Gender Studies. After beating cancer just a little over a month ago, I took this victory as a second chance at life and an opportunity to pursue once in a lifetime experiences that I might not have pursued prior to my diagnosis. This ambition is what lead to pursue a study abroad trip to Tanzania , a dream I could use your help to accomplish!
While getting diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in October 2015 was terribly heart breaking at the time, I can now say it was a valuable lesson that needed to be learned. It was an opportunity and a wakeup call to finally take care of myself in order to best take care of others.
Prior to getting diagnosed, saying I lived a hectic lifestyle would've been an understatement. That October, I was just beginning my senior year in college, set to graduate that spring. The summer prior was the busiest of my life. I began training and working as a Resident Assistant at a local college dormitory. While pursuing this job, I was also still working as a Peer Success Coach for John Jay. Adding to these commitments, I was volunteering ten hours a week at a local prison, tutoring the individuals on the skills needed to pass the CUNY entrance exam, as well as succeed in college-level courses upon release. Twice a week, I was taking GRE Prep Classes and preparing to apply to 15+ Masters and PhD programs in Clinical Psychology. While attending to each of these responsibilities, I was also conducting my own research, a skill necessary to enter doctoral programs in Psychology.
Photo of me presenting my reseach as a 1st Year McNair Scholar at the Ronald E. McNair Conference in SUNY at Buffalo in July 2015.
It was a hectic summer to say the least and sleep became a luxury. I felt the effects of this overextended, but I believed these commitments and sacrifices were necessary in order to reach my goals. I carried these commitments and lifestyle into my Fall semester, but it wouldn't last long.
On September 15th, after nearly a week of high fevers I went to the hospital and was quickly sent on my way after getting diagnosed with the flu. While the symptoms subsided for a while, two weeks later I was back in the hospital with even higher fevers. After an X-Ray of my chest was performed, the doctors became concerned with a shadow that appeared over my lungs and I was quickly admitted to the hospital. Two weeks later, I left the hospital with a Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis, the scars left behind after two surgeries and my first round of chemo.
I also left the hospital with a broken heart and seemingly broken dreams. After my diagnosis, it became clear that I would have to leave school during my senior year, leave my jobs, leave my volunteer commitments, leave my home in New York. With all these things I was leaving, I felt like I had nothing left. I was disheartened and afraid, but something in me knew that this was happening for a reason and I was okay with that.
Photo of me receiving my chemotherapy treatment with my amazing nurse.
While the doctors were optimistic after my biopsy results came in (Hodgkin's Lymphoma has been highly responsive to chemotherapy treatments), it was about two weeks after my release that I found out doctors had warned my mom that I might not make it due to the large size of my tumor and the compromising position of it, covering both my lungs and heart vessels. This scary fact made me reflect of the fragility of life and importance of self-care. It also made me realize how blessed I was to be granted this second chance at life and I knew I needed to take advantage of this precious opportunity, one that many others are not fortunate to receive.
The next six months of my chemo were difficult, but with the help of God, my amazing family, and my oncology team, I made it through. On February 16th, I was officially pronounced Cancer Free and on March 15th, I completed my last round of chemo.
Photo of my oncology team, mother, and myself after my last chemotherapy treatment with "Graduation" Certificate in hand!
Back at It, Again!
Thankfully, towards the end of my treatment, I was able to pick up two classes on campus again. Although the commute from my hometown, Bayonne, NJ to NYC was a bit challenging and I was only in school once a week, I was so happy to be back on campus! Soon enough I was attending a conference, applying to new programs and starting up my research again. Although this process of cancer and chemotherapy initially seemed as if I was losing time, towards the end I realized just how much time I had gained. I felt as if I was getting a "Do Over!" An opportunity to go after all the opportunities I didn't have the time to before because of the overextended lifestyle I was living. Study Abroad was the first thing on my Bucket List! I quickly began researching the available trips provided by my school! Even though my school was offering more study abroad trips than ever, the choice on where to go was easy.
Photo of my John Jay peers and I at the National Dominican Students Conference in April 2016.
Why Tanzania?
Originally wanting to choose a study abroad opportunity that aligned with my major, at first glance, Tanzania might have not been the trip for me. What intrigued me immediately was that the fact that it was in Africa. As an AfroLatina and a proud member of the diaspora, I've always wanted to travel to Africa and I thought "What better time than now?!" But, with the class title registered as "Travel Writing," I hesitated a bit. I was willing to look further into it. Upon reading the itinerary of the trip , it became quite clear this was the only trip for me.
For the last four years, since 2012, I have been working 2-3 weeks a summer in orphanages and an elderly home in the Dominican Republic. Beginning this work as a senior in high school, it has undeniably shaped the person I am today. As soon as I started interacting with the children, I immediately felt this sense of peace and warmth, knowing I was exactly where I was supposed to be and doing the work I was called to do and purposed for. I always knew I wanted to continue this work where ever I go and Tanzania was uniquely giving me that opportunity.
One of the yearly group photos in the orphanage in Jimani, DR - June 2014
Light in Africa
As outlined in the itinerary , the students selected for this trip have been invited to "lead workshops and volunteer at Light in Africa, a large, internationally-recognized orphanage (fondly referred to as a “Children’s Village”) called home by hundreds of children unable to seek refuge at any of the country’s other shelters, mainly because they are living with HIV and/or severe disabilities."
When I read this statement, I immediately felt like every path God has ever led me on was preparing me for that moment, to work with the children in Light in Africa, the struggles, the last four years of work in orphanages in Dominican Republic, the cancer, all of it. While I knew I would surely gain something from any of the study abroad programs offered at John Jay, Tanzania uniquely offered me the opportunity to give back. And that is something I live to do.
Short documentary on the amazing work done in Light in Africa and the story of its genesis.
But Wait, There's More
While the work we would do in Light in Africa immediately won me over, the more I read over the syllabus and discussed the program details with the amazing professor leading the course, the more I realized the benefits of this trip were twofold. Not only would I be able to serve the communities in Tanzania, growing personally, I would also have the opportunity to grow and develop professionally/academically. As a travel writing course, I would have several opportunities to develop my writing skills, a useful skill as I move on to graduate level classes.
Additionally, as a Peer Success Coach at John Jay, I am consistently advising my mentees to make strides now towards becoming marketable and competitive in the future. One great way of achieving this goal is by attending a Study Abroad trip! As of right now, only about 10% of US college students take advantage of study abroad opportunities. Being part of that 10% could help me stand out among my fellow peers in a sea of applications for jobs, internships or graduate programs. This opportunity to build my resume cannot be taken for granted.
Why I Need Your Your Help
Although I do not regret the process I have had to go through these last 7-8 months, one of the hardest things to deal with, to this day, was not being able to work or earn my own money. The longest I had ever gone without employment while living in New York was one month and that was the very first month I lived in New York, back in July 2012. Since then, I often worked two jobs at a time. While my parents were always supportive, I came from a humble working class family and did not want to put the added pressure on my mom to pay for this $8,500 trip, especially on top of all the medical bills and copayments she had to make in the last months for me.
While my intention was to apply to as many scholarships as possible to fund this trip, because I was only on campus and in the city once a week, it became difficult to meet with the necessary departments in order to discuss my funding options. Due to incompatible schedules, unanswered voicemails and even more unanswered emails, I was given the date of the application deadlines one day after they were due. I tried inquiring about loan options but was only directed to the same parties that had disserviced me before.
With the deadlines for payments quickly approaching, although reluctant at first, I decided to create a GoFundMe page. While I had always preferred to do things on my own, if surviving cancer has taught me anything, it is that I don't have to go through my battles alone. People are almost always willing to help you in your time of need and that is a beautiful thing.
Your Impact
While I am sure every GoFundMe page has a statement along the lines of, "Every dollar counts...", the sentiment is undeniably true. As expected, the costs involved for participating in a study abroad trip half way across the world can accumulate quickly.
The estimated total cost of the trip is $8,00-8,400.
-Program Cost, including housing accommodations, all meals, international health insurance, excursions and private transportation throughout the country, amount to $5,120.
-Tuition for the class comes to $825 for 3 credits.
-Airfare, which I already purchased, came to $1,520.
-Medications, specifically the vaccinations needed prior to entering the country, are estimated to cost $250.
-Personal Expenses estimated at $100.
-Visa, needed to enter the country as well, costs about $100.
While my goal of $6,000 may seem too large to accomplish, even for me, I am sure, with your help, I can reach my goal. Any contribution you make, no matter the amount, is one less dollar I have to worry over, thanks to you.
Your contributions towards making this dream a reality are greatly appreciated, whether it’s in form of a "Share" or donations to my fundraiser. Please, help me get my story out there and reach my goal!
Thank you in advance and I truly love you all!
Warmly,
Ariana
My name is Ariana Castillo. I am a senior at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, studying Forensic Psychology and Gender Studies. After beating cancer just a little over a month ago, I took this victory as a second chance at life and an opportunity to pursue once in a lifetime experiences that I might not have pursued prior to my diagnosis. This ambition is what lead to pursue a study abroad trip to Tanzania , a dream I could use your help to accomplish!
While getting diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in October 2015 was terribly heart breaking at the time, I can now say it was a valuable lesson that needed to be learned. It was an opportunity and a wakeup call to finally take care of myself in order to best take care of others.
Prior to getting diagnosed, saying I lived a hectic lifestyle would've been an understatement. That October, I was just beginning my senior year in college, set to graduate that spring. The summer prior was the busiest of my life. I began training and working as a Resident Assistant at a local college dormitory. While pursuing this job, I was also still working as a Peer Success Coach for John Jay. Adding to these commitments, I was volunteering ten hours a week at a local prison, tutoring the individuals on the skills needed to pass the CUNY entrance exam, as well as succeed in college-level courses upon release. Twice a week, I was taking GRE Prep Classes and preparing to apply to 15+ Masters and PhD programs in Clinical Psychology. While attending to each of these responsibilities, I was also conducting my own research, a skill necessary to enter doctoral programs in Psychology.
Photo of me presenting my reseach as a 1st Year McNair Scholar at the Ronald E. McNair Conference in SUNY at Buffalo in July 2015.It was a hectic summer to say the least and sleep became a luxury. I felt the effects of this overextended, but I believed these commitments and sacrifices were necessary in order to reach my goals. I carried these commitments and lifestyle into my Fall semester, but it wouldn't last long.
On September 15th, after nearly a week of high fevers I went to the hospital and was quickly sent on my way after getting diagnosed with the flu. While the symptoms subsided for a while, two weeks later I was back in the hospital with even higher fevers. After an X-Ray of my chest was performed, the doctors became concerned with a shadow that appeared over my lungs and I was quickly admitted to the hospital. Two weeks later, I left the hospital with a Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis, the scars left behind after two surgeries and my first round of chemo.
I also left the hospital with a broken heart and seemingly broken dreams. After my diagnosis, it became clear that I would have to leave school during my senior year, leave my jobs, leave my volunteer commitments, leave my home in New York. With all these things I was leaving, I felt like I had nothing left. I was disheartened and afraid, but something in me knew that this was happening for a reason and I was okay with that.
Photo of me receiving my chemotherapy treatment with my amazing nurse.While the doctors were optimistic after my biopsy results came in (Hodgkin's Lymphoma has been highly responsive to chemotherapy treatments), it was about two weeks after my release that I found out doctors had warned my mom that I might not make it due to the large size of my tumor and the compromising position of it, covering both my lungs and heart vessels. This scary fact made me reflect of the fragility of life and importance of self-care. It also made me realize how blessed I was to be granted this second chance at life and I knew I needed to take advantage of this precious opportunity, one that many others are not fortunate to receive.
The next six months of my chemo were difficult, but with the help of God, my amazing family, and my oncology team, I made it through. On February 16th, I was officially pronounced Cancer Free and on March 15th, I completed my last round of chemo.
Photo of my oncology team, mother, and myself after my last chemotherapy treatment with "Graduation" Certificate in hand!Back at It, Again!
Thankfully, towards the end of my treatment, I was able to pick up two classes on campus again. Although the commute from my hometown, Bayonne, NJ to NYC was a bit challenging and I was only in school once a week, I was so happy to be back on campus! Soon enough I was attending a conference, applying to new programs and starting up my research again. Although this process of cancer and chemotherapy initially seemed as if I was losing time, towards the end I realized just how much time I had gained. I felt as if I was getting a "Do Over!" An opportunity to go after all the opportunities I didn't have the time to before because of the overextended lifestyle I was living. Study Abroad was the first thing on my Bucket List! I quickly began researching the available trips provided by my school! Even though my school was offering more study abroad trips than ever, the choice on where to go was easy.
Photo of my John Jay peers and I at the National Dominican Students Conference in April 2016.Why Tanzania?
Originally wanting to choose a study abroad opportunity that aligned with my major, at first glance, Tanzania might have not been the trip for me. What intrigued me immediately was that the fact that it was in Africa. As an AfroLatina and a proud member of the diaspora, I've always wanted to travel to Africa and I thought "What better time than now?!" But, with the class title registered as "Travel Writing," I hesitated a bit. I was willing to look further into it. Upon reading the itinerary of the trip , it became quite clear this was the only trip for me.
For the last four years, since 2012, I have been working 2-3 weeks a summer in orphanages and an elderly home in the Dominican Republic. Beginning this work as a senior in high school, it has undeniably shaped the person I am today. As soon as I started interacting with the children, I immediately felt this sense of peace and warmth, knowing I was exactly where I was supposed to be and doing the work I was called to do and purposed for. I always knew I wanted to continue this work where ever I go and Tanzania was uniquely giving me that opportunity.
One of the yearly group photos in the orphanage in Jimani, DR - June 2014Light in Africa
As outlined in the itinerary , the students selected for this trip have been invited to "lead workshops and volunteer at Light in Africa, a large, internationally-recognized orphanage (fondly referred to as a “Children’s Village”) called home by hundreds of children unable to seek refuge at any of the country’s other shelters, mainly because they are living with HIV and/or severe disabilities."
When I read this statement, I immediately felt like every path God has ever led me on was preparing me for that moment, to work with the children in Light in Africa, the struggles, the last four years of work in orphanages in Dominican Republic, the cancer, all of it. While I knew I would surely gain something from any of the study abroad programs offered at John Jay, Tanzania uniquely offered me the opportunity to give back. And that is something I live to do.
Short documentary on the amazing work done in Light in Africa and the story of its genesis.
But Wait, There's More
While the work we would do in Light in Africa immediately won me over, the more I read over the syllabus and discussed the program details with the amazing professor leading the course, the more I realized the benefits of this trip were twofold. Not only would I be able to serve the communities in Tanzania, growing personally, I would also have the opportunity to grow and develop professionally/academically. As a travel writing course, I would have several opportunities to develop my writing skills, a useful skill as I move on to graduate level classes.
Additionally, as a Peer Success Coach at John Jay, I am consistently advising my mentees to make strides now towards becoming marketable and competitive in the future. One great way of achieving this goal is by attending a Study Abroad trip! As of right now, only about 10% of US college students take advantage of study abroad opportunities. Being part of that 10% could help me stand out among my fellow peers in a sea of applications for jobs, internships or graduate programs. This opportunity to build my resume cannot be taken for granted.
Why I Need Your Your Help
Although I do not regret the process I have had to go through these last 7-8 months, one of the hardest things to deal with, to this day, was not being able to work or earn my own money. The longest I had ever gone without employment while living in New York was one month and that was the very first month I lived in New York, back in July 2012. Since then, I often worked two jobs at a time. While my parents were always supportive, I came from a humble working class family and did not want to put the added pressure on my mom to pay for this $8,500 trip, especially on top of all the medical bills and copayments she had to make in the last months for me.
While my intention was to apply to as many scholarships as possible to fund this trip, because I was only on campus and in the city once a week, it became difficult to meet with the necessary departments in order to discuss my funding options. Due to incompatible schedules, unanswered voicemails and even more unanswered emails, I was given the date of the application deadlines one day after they were due. I tried inquiring about loan options but was only directed to the same parties that had disserviced me before.
With the deadlines for payments quickly approaching, although reluctant at first, I decided to create a GoFundMe page. While I had always preferred to do things on my own, if surviving cancer has taught me anything, it is that I don't have to go through my battles alone. People are almost always willing to help you in your time of need and that is a beautiful thing.
Your Impact
While I am sure every GoFundMe page has a statement along the lines of, "Every dollar counts...", the sentiment is undeniably true. As expected, the costs involved for participating in a study abroad trip half way across the world can accumulate quickly.
The estimated total cost of the trip is $8,00-8,400.
-Program Cost, including housing accommodations, all meals, international health insurance, excursions and private transportation throughout the country, amount to $5,120.
-Tuition for the class comes to $825 for 3 credits.
-Airfare, which I already purchased, came to $1,520.
-Medications, specifically the vaccinations needed prior to entering the country, are estimated to cost $250.
-Personal Expenses estimated at $100.
-Visa, needed to enter the country as well, costs about $100.
While my goal of $6,000 may seem too large to accomplish, even for me, I am sure, with your help, I can reach my goal. Any contribution you make, no matter the amount, is one less dollar I have to worry over, thanks to you.
Your contributions towards making this dream a reality are greatly appreciated, whether it’s in form of a "Share" or donations to my fundraiser. Please, help me get my story out there and reach my goal!
Thank you in advance and I truly love you all!
Warmly,
Ariana
Organizer
Ariana Castillo
Organizer
New York, NY