Lately, I’ve been seriously thinking about my future—what I want to do and how I’m going to get there. I realized that I need to push myself outside my comfort zone, get out into the world, and take advantage of opportunities while I can.

I’ve always wanted to travel and study abroad. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for as long as I can remember. This past year, I finally decided to stop waiting and try to make it happen. The journey wasn’t easy. I spent months researching programs—most were either unaffordable or lacked proper support and scholarships. I was starting to think it might be unrealistic—until my grandma discovered SYA (School Year Abroad), a well-established international school program that not only offered strong academics but also need-based scholarships, including full rides.

Even then, it was far from a sure thing. The application process was competitive, particularly for students seeking financial aid. Still, I knew it was something I had to go for. Between finals and basketball season, I spent many late nights writing essays and completing a substantial amount of paperwork. It was exhausting, but I knew it would all be worth it if I was accepted.

And it was. On March 1st, I received the news. I was accepted into SYA Spain and awarded a full scholarship of $36,000! I was completely overjoyed and somewhat daunted by this major shift in my young adult life.

Getting accepted wasn’t the end of the process. There are still around $5,000 in expenses we have to come up with to make the trip possible. This is for things like a student visa, which requires two trips to the LA consulate ($2,200 for the visa and travel expenses), flights to and from Spain (approximately $1,500), a laptop ($1,200), and money for personal travel and expenses for the 4 months abroad. That’s where I’ve been focusing my energy this summer. I’ve been working as much as I can at Kebler Corner Resort to help cover these costs, but at minimum wage, we are far short of what it will take.

If you're able to help out with anything, it would mean a lot to me. Every little bit will help me take this next step. And even if you can't donate, just having your encouragement makes a huge difference. We are starting a GoFundMe campaign, or you can send a contribution via Venmo to avoid other fees. I now have the opportunity to live and study in Spain, immersed in a new language, culture, and way of life. https://www.sya.org/ will tell you more if you are curious to learn about this impressive program. I have connected with my host mom, who seems wonderful and fun. This program won’t just change my high school experience—it will open doors for me for the rest of my life.

Thanks for reading and for always supporting me.

With love and gratitude,

Kalia