Hi, my name is Erick C.,

I’m a 14-year-old student, artist, and athlete currently in the 9th grade at KIPP College Prep High School in New York City. I’m also proud to be an Ecuadorian young man who believes deeply in working hard and, most importantly, representing my family and community well.

Education is very important to me, and I’ve worked hard to maintain a 4.26 GPA while balancing soccer/swimming (2 Favourites) , family, church, and community involvement in parks around New York City.

Whether I’m on the field, doing work, or helping others when I can, I always try to give my best effort as it’s better than doing nothing.

Since I was about 8 or 9 years old, I’ve dreamed of learning Japanese and visiting Japan. That was the year I read my first manga, and it completely opened my imagination to a new culture, art style, and way of storytelling that inspired me very deeply.

Today, I have the opportunity to turn that childhood dream into reality.

I’ve been selected for a once-in-a-lifetime study abroad program in Japan, where I will study the art of Japanese culture with experienced instructors, immerse myself in Japanese ways, and learn the Japanese language through real-world experiences. Through dedication and hard work, I was honored to receive the Global Navigator Scholarship, which covers half of the program tuition ($3,875).

My family and I are now working to raise the remaining costs, including tuition ($4,275), airfare ($1,500), meals, and travel expenses ($500). I’ve been doing my part by shoveling snow, working with organizations to clean parks in NYC, I’m in there, and contributing from my personal savings, but I still need support to make this opportunity possible.

Your support is more than a donation; it is an investment in my education, my artistic growth, and my future.

If you’re unable to give, helping me spread the word would mean just as much.

Thank you for your time,

Erick C.

:)