Global Health Initiative Volunteer trip in the DR

My name is Hilary Godbout and I am a  15-year old high school student who has a strong interest in medicine and helping others. After searching for multiple ways for me to explore these interests and an opportunity to make a difference for those less fortunate, I came across Global Leadership Adventures (GLA).GLA is an American based company that gives high school students the opportunity to travel the world while gaining specific skills. It is much like the famed 1960's Peace Corp only for high school students. I have applied and have been accepted on the Global Health Initiative in the Dominican Republic. On this two-week learning trip, I get to study medicine and public health. I will participate in hands-on work accompanying medical and health care professionals.

 The fee for this two week, program, including all meals, lodging, travel/medical insurance, and in-country transportation, total to about $6,500 CAD (Including airfare).  During the application process, I applied for a scholarship. To be eligible for the scholarship, I had to write multiple short essays, highlighting my leadership qualities and my experience. I was very grateful to receive a partial scholarship of $1500 CAD, which helps with some of the costs of this trip. To be able to go on this program I need financial assistance with the rest of the cost, which I hope you can help provide.

To be able to go on this trip would change my life and the lives and well being of many impoverished children. This trip is an amazing opportunity and shouldn't be mistaken as a vacation as it's an educational/volunteer trip. I do not stay at a resort nor am I provided the many comforts normally associated with a Caribbean vacation.

When I am older, I want to work in the medical field. This trip will provide me with real-world experiences to support my future endeavors. I feel like life in Canada, with our many conveniences, we take for granted certain things such as free and easy access to modern health care. In the area of the Dominican that I will be working in, citizens have access to a doctor, only two days a week, for limited hours. On this trip, I will shadow a doctor/clinician for two full days, then put my work into use and work at a pop-up medical brigade for two full days.
 
To be able to participate on this trip, I have to have all funds in by the end of May. This Go-Fund me is only one way that I am raising the money. In my fundraising plan, I am working two part-time jobs, planning a garage sale/bake sale and reaching out to family and friends. All amounts of donations are greatly appreciated. Your support and the support of those you know are greatly appreciated. I look forward to sharing this extraordinary experience with donors upon my return.

Thank you in advance. Yours truly,
Hilary Godbout

https://youtu.be/YetxHP5wpQI (Youtube link to trip from past years)

https://www.experiencegla.com/destinations/teen-programs-latin-america/dominican-republic/dominican-republic-global-health-initiative/ (More information about the trip(Donation Jar)