ENGLISH LETTER FOLLOWS AFTER

Caracas, Junio del 2025.

Estimado/a,

Escribo esta carta con gran entusiasmo para anunciar mi participación en un

programa de intercambio estudiantil, en donde estaré cursando mi último año

de Arquitectura en el Instituto Técnico Superior de Lisboa, y al mismo tiempo

estaré acumulando créditos académicos de un Máster en Arquitectura, entre

agosto del 2025 y julio del 2026. Es una meta por la que he estado trabajando

desde el inicio de mi carrera universitaria y finalmente todos los esfuerzos han

dado frutos.

Participar en este programa representa una oportunidad importante para mi

desarrollo tanto personal como profesional, permitiéndome ganar experiencia

en el panorama internacional, desarrollar nuevas habilidades dentro de mi

campo de estudios y brindándome la oportunidad de conocer nuevas culturas.

Estas enseñanzas, estoy convencida, no sólo impulsarán mi crecimiento

profesional, sino también me permitirán contribuir de manera más efectiva con

nuevas y mejores prácticas en el desarrollo arquitectónico de mi país.

Sin embargo, los costos asociados a este programa, incluyendo tarifas de visado,

pasajes de avión y alojamiento en Portugal, representan un reto considerable

para mí y mi familia. Si bien el costo completo de la matrícula está cubierto por

una beca, y cuento con el apoyo de mis padres, aún existe una brecha

importante que debe ser cubierta y que podría impedir mi participación.

Es por esto que escribo el día de hoy para solicitar apoyo. Todo tipo de ayuda,

ya sea financiera, logística, o de cualquier clase, será profundamente apreciada

y será de gran valor para convertir esta oportunidad en una realidad.

Datos y documentación relacionados estarán anexos más abajo, y cualquier otro

documento que pudiera ser necesario puede ser enviado.

Profundamente agradecida,

Camila Barrios Escalona.

A Dream Within Reach: Supporting My Architecture Journey in Lisbon

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Supporters,

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to share some incredible news and to humbly ask for your support in making a life-changing dream come true.

After years of dedication to my studies and countless hours spent sketching, designing, and preparing applications, I have been awarded a scholarship to pursue my architecture degree in Lisbon, Portugal. This opportunity represents not just my personal achievement, but a chance to contribute meaningfully to the world through thoughtful design and sustainable building practices.

Why This Matters

Architecture is more than creating buildings—it's about designing spaces where people live, work, heal, and find joy. Throughout history, architects have shaped how communities come together, how cities breathe, and how we interact with our environment. In Lisbon, a city where ancient Roman foundations meet cutting-edge contemporary design, I'll have the privilege of learning from some of Europe's most innovative architectural minds.

The scholarship covers my tuition, which is an incredible blessing. However, living expenses in Lisbon—including housing, food, materials, and basic necessities—present a significant financial challenge that my family and I cannot meet alone.

My Commitment to Excellence

This isn't just about receiving an education; it's about investing in someone who will use every lesson learned to give back. I've maintained excellent grades throughout my academic career, participated in community design projects, and volunteered my time helping families redesign their living spaces on limited budgets.

I promise that every euro contributed will be used responsibly and with deep gratitude. I'm committed to:

- Maintaining academic excellence throughout my studies

- Documenting my journey and sharing insights with my community back home

- Using my education to contribute to sustainable and accessible design solutions

- Paying this kindness forward by supporting future students when I'm able

How You Can Help Make a Difference

Any contribution, regardless of size, brings me closer to this goal:

- €25 covers a week of groceries and basic supplies

- €50 helps with monthly transportation costs

- €100 contributes significantly toward monthly housing expenses

- €250 covers nearly a month of living expenses

But please know that even €5 or €10 makes a real difference and shows me that you believe in my dreams.

A Personal Promise

If you choose to support me, you're not just helping one student—you're investing in future buildings that will shelter families, schools that will educate children, and public spaces that will bring communities together. Every blueprint I create will carry with it the memory of your generosity.

I understand that everyone has their own financial responsibilities and challenges. If you're unable to contribute financially, I would be equally grateful for:

- Sharing this letter with others who might be interested in supporting education

- Offering encouragement and moral support during this journey

- Keeping me in your thoughts and prayers

Staying Connected

I'm committed to transparency about how funds are used and would love to share updates about my studies, the projects I'm working on, and the incredible architecture I'm experiencing in Lisbon. Contributors will receive regular updates on my progress, photos of my work, and insights from this amazing journey.

Whether you contribute financially or simply take the time to read this letter, thank you for being part of my story. Your support—in whatever form—means the world to me and represents a belief in the power of education to change lives and communities.

Architecture has taught me that the strongest structures are built on solid foundations. Thanks to your support, I'm building the foundation for a future where I can create meaningful, beautiful spaces that serve humanity.

With deepest gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead,

Camila Barrios Escalona.