When Jaricelys was a little girl, she would spend hours in the backyard, crouched in the grass, observing ants march in perfect lines or marveling at the way birds flitted from tree to tree. Every summer we spent in Puerto Rico she would ask to spend hours with her aunt's farm animals, one year she had me buy her a baby bunny and a chicken lol jajaja while on vacation to bring back to Worcester. Her curiosity about the natural world was boundless, and as she grew older, that curiosity blossomed into a passion for zoology. She dreamed of studying animals in their natural habitats, understanding their behaviors, and contributing to conservation efforts.

Now, at 19, Jaricelys has been accepted into a prestigious study-abroad program in South America, where she’ll have the chance to work with wildlife researchers and study species she’s only read about in books. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime—one that could shape her future and bring her closer to her dream of becoming a zoologist.

But as her mother, i found us in a bittersweet position. We’re so proud of Jaricelys determination and the hard work that got her here, but the financial burden of this program is more than we can shoulder alone. Between tuition, travel expenses, and living costs, the numbers add up quickly. I have always done our best to support Jaricelys dreams, but this time, we need a little help from our village, because it does take a village to raise a child.

We’re reaching out to our community, friends, and anyone who believes in the power of education and the importance of following one’s passion. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help Jaricelys take this incredible step forward. It’s not just about funding her education—it’s about investing in a young woman who wants to make a difference in the world, one animal at a time.

Jaricelys excitement is contagious. She’s already talking about the fieldwork she’ll do, the people she’ll meet, and the ways she hopes to give back to the planet. We know this experience will shape her into the compassionate, knowledgeable zoologist she’s meant to be. With your help, we can make this dream a reality.

Thank you for believing in Jaricelys and for being part of her journey. Together, we can help her take this leap toward a future filled with discovery, growth, and purpose.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!