Help Callie Achieve Her Dream!

Hello! My name is Callie Blake, and I am a sophomore at the University of Missouri. I started this fundraiser to raise money to study abroad in Galway, Ireland, this coming summer. When over there, I will be working with vulnerable adult populations through a six-week-long internship. To be more specific, I will be working with mentally disabled adults as well as completing coursework related to my major/minor. I am majoring in Elementary Education with a double minor in Leadership & Public Service, and Human Development & Family Sciences.

I have thought about studying abroad for a long time for many different reasons. First, international studies will take me out of my comfort zone and help immerse myself in another culture, which is an important aspect to learn pertaining to my future as an educator. The ability to work with mentally disabled adults is genuinely inspiring to me because their way of thinking is so different from others! I have some experience working with mentally disabled individuals, and it is such an enriching learning experience.

Another reason why I am taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience is because I love traveling. The thought of seeing and learning about different places with various cultures and history gives me butterflies in my stomach. Additionally, I plan to teach English overseas one day, and this opportunity is the perfect way to test the waters and learn in-depth about another culture over an extended period.

The total program fee for the course is close to $10,000. I have been saving for a learning experience like this, but the cost has exceeded my expected budget. Therefore, I am trying to raise as much as possible to offset any loan costs to make this learning experience a reality. My departure date is June 4th, and I need to secure my funds by May 1st. Any donation would be such a blessing. I am genuinely thankful for any support I can receive on this journey! If you would like to leave your email address, I would love to keep you updated throughout this learning experience and send you many thanks!

For each petal on the shamrock, this brings a wish your way; good health, good luck, and happiness for today and every day (Irish blessing),

Callie Blake