Hi, my name is Brynn, and I’m incredibly honored to share that I’ve been accepted into the CBYX-Young Professionals Program—a prestigious and highly competitive exchange sponsored by the U.S. Congress and the German Bundestag. Less than 1% of applicants are selected each year, and I feel deeply grateful to be one of them.

This year long fellowship will take me to Germany, where I’ll study the language, intern in my field, and serve as a citizen ambassador, helping to build stronger ties between the United States and Germany through cultural and professional exchange. It’s an incredible opportunity—and a major step forward not only in my education but in my life.

I’m currently studying Astrophysics and German at The Ohio State University. I have been learning German for 6 years and I want to pursue fluency. I graduated summa cum laude in 2024 and, although I’m entering my second year, I’m already considered a third-year student thanks to college credits I earned in high school. As a first-generation, low-income student, opportunities like this have never come easy—but I’ve worked hard to get here, and I’m committed to making the most of it.

While the CBYX program generously helps cover the flight from D.C, schooling, food, and housing costs, participants are encouraged to bring additional personal funds to cover transportation, potential independent living costs, essential personal needs, and emergency expenses. The program recommends having about €500 per month, or €5,000 total, to ensure a stable and supported experience abroad. At this point, I would be over the moon with just €1000.

That’s why I’m asking for help. I’m not raising money for travel luxuries or extras—I’m raising funds so I can show up fully and responsibly in this role, knowing I have a safety net for life’s basic needs. Every donation will go directly toward helping me live, learn, and represent my country abroad with confidence and dignity.

If you’re able to support, even a little, it truly means the world to me. And if you can’t donate right now, simply sharing this page would be an incredible help.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for believing in what this experience can mean—for me, and for the connections I hope to help build between two nations.

With sincere gratitude,

Brynn