Piper's People to People Fund

A short while ago, I received a letter stating that I was invited to apply for a travel abroad and study for over three weeks in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji with the People to People Student Ambassador Program over the summer of 2015.  I had received a similar letter two years prior, but it was a shorter program and a lot of money  so clearly not feasible for me at that time. I still dreamed though that one day I would travel the world particularly to destinations that are filled with the environment and cultures I am so interested in studying in conjuntion with service learning opportunities.  I wasn’t about to let this pass me by again. I RSVP’d for the meeting, signed up for an interview...and then informed my parents that they would be otherwise booked for that evening.

At the meeting, I listened to previous ambassadors, viewed a very effective “teaser” video, met the group instructors and my heart sang. I completed the interview this past Saturday and got the call Monday night that I was selected from by the panel to participate. However, all that experience of culture and fun comes with a price. About $8600….GULP. That’s a lot of babysitting, cheesecake baking, housecleaning, car washing and yard sales on top of a full school schedule and waterpolo.  I have already told my parents that I don't want anything for my birthday or Christmas except this experience. I have my parents support and some savings to get me started but I’m going to need your help.  I am starting with this personal, heartfelt request.  Any donation would be greatly appreciated.  I plan on blogging my entire trip so that any sponsors can travel along with me.  If this seems like something you would consider worthy and like to be apart of, please consider supporting my campaign.

Thanks.

Piper Smith