Help Fund a Student's Environmental Study in China

Friends and Family,

An unexpected and wonderful opportunity has been presented to me. On the recommendation of my professor, Provost Dr. Scott Wilson, who taught my course on the Chinese environmental crisis, Sewanee has selected me to be a participant in a 2-week study-abroad trip to Shaanxi province in China at Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University in Yangling. This environmentally-focused program is a study tour for students of Sewanee and the University of Arizona run by a former Sewanee professor, Dr. Ken Smith. 

This educational trip is difficult to pass up. It is absolutely within my course of study and related to my career goals of forestry and conservation. I am certain that it will not only serve to further my education but provide unique stepping stones into my future. I have added a screenshot of the program to show what I will be studying in relation to my major. Unfortunately, for reasons I don’t know, the offer was only just extended and travel is in only a few weeks. That is not enough time for me to save up and prepare and it is not in my nor my parent’s budgets this year. All in-country expenses are covered- tuition, lodging, transportation, and most meals, making this a truly unbelievable and once-in-a lifetime offer. However, I must purchase my own plane tickets, travel insurance, and a few small incidentals. Sewanee has given me a $1,000 scholarship toward my airfare which helps a great deal. I still need about $2,500 to make this happen, though, and very little time to earn it. I have a summer job lined up but it will not have started yet and I am actually missing the first two weeks- with their blessing and encouragement. 

Therefore, with the (reluctant) permission of my parents I am reaching out to ask if y’all might be able to help out just a little bit and help me accept this educational gift that is being given to me. Mom and Dad will help me as much as they can, but they are already helping me with regular tuition and expenses. However, with both of them coming from educational careers and my grandfathers ecological legacy, they see that this is a fantastic chance for me to grow in my field. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this and do, please keep me in your prayers as I make this journey!