Hey everyone, this is Shutoka, Desmond's mom,  Dez is nearing the end of his term at Harold Washington Community College and he's spent a lot of time thinking about his major before he transfers to a four year University right now  he's having trouble finding a sense of direction. Desmond and I have had many conversations about school and possible career paths and I've always encouraged him to pursue things that will fulfill him. No parent wants their child to be stuck in a career that they dread waking up to everyday. Doing further research he stumbled upon a program called EF Gap Year. This program allows students ages 18-22 to be  introduced to educational travel, language learning, and cultural exchange turning them into global citizens.
In 4th grade Dez was extended an opportunity to explore Europe but was not able to attend his acceptance into this program is his second chance at traveling abroad and it couldn't be a more perfect time.  
  If everything goes as planned, starting in September his program itinerary is as follows:
  - Two week European immersion in London, Amsterdam, Paris & Barcelona.
  -  Six week language study module in Tamarindo, Costa Rica to study Spanish. 
  - Six week service learning module in Tanzania, Africa
  - One month break at home
  -  Three Week Australia & New Zealand immersion tour in Melbourne, Cairns, Sydney, Queenstown,  Rotorua and, Auckland.
   - Six week internship in Tokyo, Japan.
   - EF leadership Academy in London for one week
This program comes at a cost of 38,000 we'd appreciate any help you could provide  he's currently waiting an answer on a partial scholarship which wont be awarded until August. This is a once in a lifetime experience that I believe will help shape him into the awesome young man I knew he'd always become.
                                                                                                              Sincerely, Shutoka Jefferson