My Zip Code Won't Define My Destiny -Kahalia
Donation protected
Agoo adamfos,
If you are anything like me, then you were saying to yourself, "Huh? I wonder what that means?" as you read my greeting. Well, translated from the Twi language which is indigenous to the Akan people of Ghana in West Africa, I simply greeted you with, "Hello/Attention friends!" I need your assistance with making a dream of mine come true. I'm interested in participating in a once in a lifetime opportunity which will take me halfway around the world, but I need your help. I am composing this letter in an effort to raise the remaining balance of money toward the Study Abroad trip which is scheduled for July 2019. I'd like to give you a bit of background about this program before you make your decision though.
See, I became interested in this opportunity after being awarded the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year in November and thought it would be a great segway into preparation for my future career in business as international lawyer. Upon additional research, I found out that AFS study abroad program has been around for decades and consists of multiple learning journeys that can take young people to nearly every continent where they have opportunities to volunteer in their host communities, begin or participate in social impact programs and provide them with essential skills necessary to become active global citizens. I thought that this would be a perfect fit for me since I am already an active member of my St. Louis city community and regularly volunteer to help feed the homeless, teach younger students at the Boys and Girls Club with technology and the United States Veterans at VA Hospital.
I talked to the counselor who informed me that my high school, Parkway North also is affiliated with the AFS program, so I submitted an application to the AFS program in January of this year and was awarded a partial scholarship of $4, 000 for this month long experience through a division of the AFS program known as Faces of America. This program is designed to help minority students from urban areas obtain culturally rich experiences such as this. This will further support my personal goals of increased leadership and assist as I prepare for college preparatory programs. Did you know that studies show that students who experience a study abroad program are more likely to possess the global leadership skills necessary in today’s workforce? That is very important to me because I want to be confident and effective when I do become a member of that workforce in the future.
I know that this program will be an excellent way for me to discover new things about the world and myself as I continue to prepare myself for college. This is where I need your help family and friends. Although I've worked really hard academically to put myself in position for scholarships to support my dreams, I can't finance them alone. My mother has implemented her strong work ethic and love of education into all five of us, but realistically, her finances can only stretch so far. The scholarship I won will be used to cover my room and board, planned travel excursions throughout West Africa with my cohorts and my academic tuition. Unfortunately, I am still in need of additional funds totaling an estimated $3,500 in order to book a round trip flight to Ghana, purchase my remaining travel vaccinations, and meals not covered by the program. Anything that you can contribute will be appreciated. Alone, we can do only so much, but working together we can accomplish great things. I may be the only one going on this trip, but know that I take pride in knowing that the information that I bring back will be shared in a positive manner that will hopefully benefit all of you. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.
"Unity is strength...where there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved"- Mattie J.T. Stepanek
Sincerely,
Kahalia A. Adams
If you are anything like me, then you were saying to yourself, "Huh? I wonder what that means?" as you read my greeting. Well, translated from the Twi language which is indigenous to the Akan people of Ghana in West Africa, I simply greeted you with, "Hello/Attention friends!" I need your assistance with making a dream of mine come true. I'm interested in participating in a once in a lifetime opportunity which will take me halfway around the world, but I need your help. I am composing this letter in an effort to raise the remaining balance of money toward the Study Abroad trip which is scheduled for July 2019. I'd like to give you a bit of background about this program before you make your decision though.
See, I became interested in this opportunity after being awarded the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year in November and thought it would be a great segway into preparation for my future career in business as international lawyer. Upon additional research, I found out that AFS study abroad program has been around for decades and consists of multiple learning journeys that can take young people to nearly every continent where they have opportunities to volunteer in their host communities, begin or participate in social impact programs and provide them with essential skills necessary to become active global citizens. I thought that this would be a perfect fit for me since I am already an active member of my St. Louis city community and regularly volunteer to help feed the homeless, teach younger students at the Boys and Girls Club with technology and the United States Veterans at VA Hospital.
I talked to the counselor who informed me that my high school, Parkway North also is affiliated with the AFS program, so I submitted an application to the AFS program in January of this year and was awarded a partial scholarship of $4, 000 for this month long experience through a division of the AFS program known as Faces of America. This program is designed to help minority students from urban areas obtain culturally rich experiences such as this. This will further support my personal goals of increased leadership and assist as I prepare for college preparatory programs. Did you know that studies show that students who experience a study abroad program are more likely to possess the global leadership skills necessary in today’s workforce? That is very important to me because I want to be confident and effective when I do become a member of that workforce in the future.
I know that this program will be an excellent way for me to discover new things about the world and myself as I continue to prepare myself for college. This is where I need your help family and friends. Although I've worked really hard academically to put myself in position for scholarships to support my dreams, I can't finance them alone. My mother has implemented her strong work ethic and love of education into all five of us, but realistically, her finances can only stretch so far. The scholarship I won will be used to cover my room and board, planned travel excursions throughout West Africa with my cohorts and my academic tuition. Unfortunately, I am still in need of additional funds totaling an estimated $3,500 in order to book a round trip flight to Ghana, purchase my remaining travel vaccinations, and meals not covered by the program. Anything that you can contribute will be appreciated. Alone, we can do only so much, but working together we can accomplish great things. I may be the only one going on this trip, but know that I take pride in knowing that the information that I bring back will be shared in a positive manner that will hopefully benefit all of you. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.
"Unity is strength...where there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved"- Mattie J.T. Stepanek
Sincerely,
Kahalia A. Adams
Organizer
Kimaada Ellison
Organizer
Saint Louis, MO
