Message from Sara, Ella's mom:

Ella has decided that she would like to experience her AFS Exchange year this coming year 2024-25! Ella is the most determinded and steadfast person I know, when she puts her mind to something, she will find a way to make it ALL possible. I admire this about her and I continue to admire her hard work and creativity in all of her fund-raising efforts for her exchange year. Ella is a gifted story-writer and she has decided as part of engaging her gofundme community and thanking them for their support, she will share with her beneficiaries an original short story she has been working on. For each $500 she reaches, she is committed to releasing the next 500 words of this story! Once you have donated, you will have access to the entire story as it unfolds. Isn't it Exciting!?

And now for an introduction from Ella on her desire and reasons behind taking this exchange year:

Hello!

This story begins thirty years ago, when one brave Venezuelan teen named Nadia set out on an exchange year to Wisconsin and into the home of my grandparents. Her journey ignited a fire that still burns bright today. Now, allow me to introduce myself; I am Ella, a spirited Icelandic-American teenager, eager to set out on a life-changing adventure of my own.

For as long as I can remember, the dream of going on an exchange year has been etched into my soul. My choice is clear: I'm determined to join the AFS exchange program and write this next chapter of my life in the heart of Costa Rica.

This dream is not just a passing fancy; it's a part of my family legacy. :) My parents' love story began in Venezuela during 1996-97 when my dad embarked on his own AFS exchange year. My mom, taking a gap year between high school and college, lived with her exchange sister Nadia’s family, and that's where my parents' shared story began. Their year abroad wasn't just a chapter in their lives; it was the very story that shaped them and changed their view on the world.

My ties to the AFS community run even deeper. My family opened our home to two exchange students, my sister from the Czech Republic in 2016-17, and my brother from France this year. Witnessing the bonds of friendship and family being formed right under our roof has only strengthened my resolve. Going on an exchange year isn't only about learning a new language; it's about making connections that last a lifetime.

My determination to make this dream a reality is an ongoing quest. Every dollar/euro/króna I earn is a stepping stone, which supports the foundation of my year abroad. My education, school supplies, travel expenses, insurance fees, and other essentials are all part of the expenses I need to cover. The road to fulfilling my dream requires determination and unwavering commitment.

I'm exploring multiple ways to fund my dreams. From working part-time on weekends to applying for academic scholarships, I'm leaving no stone unturned. I'm reaching out to the hearts of compassionate organizations and people who share the dream of a teen eager to explore the world.

The world needs more adventurous teens willing to ignite and inspire others. I believe that it's essential for teenagers to get out and explore its landscapes and unravel its secrets. The future rests on our shoulders, and the more we experience during our youth, the richer our understanding of the world becomes. On my exchange year, I aspire to embrace a new culture and also see my own culture through a fresh set of eyes.

As I stand at the crossroads of my dreams, I invite you to be a part of this incredible adventure. Your contribution, big or small, will become a part of my story, and I will be forever grateful. Your words of encouragement, as I take this exhilarating step toward adulthood, will be cherished.

Despite working hard towards achieving this financial milestone, there is still a $6,000 USD gap that I will need to earn by June 2024 for me to be able to participate in the 2024-25 program. This creates extra urgency and so I’ve started reaching out in new ways, including this campaign

Thank you for considering being a part of my journey.

Ella