My name is Caitlin. I am currently earning my Master's in Social Work at the University of Washington in Seattle with an expected graduation date of June 2025 (yay!).

This fall, I will be embarking on an 8-month fellowship to explore culture, community, and self across 8 countries in a handful of different regions around the world. With the generous support of a fellowship award, I have the opportunity to travel to places like Greece, Thailand, Japan, South Africa, and Costa Rica — engaging in deep cultural immersion, connecting with local communities, and broadening my understanding of the world and myself.

As a young woman from Tacoma, Washington, who has not traveled internationally before, this experience is not just about seeing new places — it is about stepping outside the familiar, exploring global perspectives, and embracing the discomfort and beauty that comes with true cross-cultural learning. I will be learning from histories, traditions, and people that reflect both similarities and differences to my own lived experiences.

While the fellowship provides core funding, it does not fully cover all of the costs associated with long-term travel, such as flights between countries, housing, daily expenses, travel insurance, and other essentials. Your support could help ensure that financial limitations do not restrict the depth and reach of my journey.

This experience will not only shape me personally — it will also directly inform my work in social justice, anti-oppression practice, and community engagement back home. I am passionate about creating more inclusive, equitable spaces in our communities, and this journey will allow me to return with stories, insights, and inspiration that ripple outward.

If you feel moved to contribute, any amount helps — and beyond financial support, your encouragement, advice, and well-wishes are invaluable as I take this leap.

Thank you for believing in me and in the power of global connection. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you along the way.

With gratitude,

Caitlin