Hi, my name is Rachel, and once, I dreamed of being an archaeologist and discovering the secrets of humanity's long-buried past. As I grew, however, I abandoned that dream, knowing that the financial barrier to entry in such a field was enormously high - too high to ever overcome. For years, I labored in retail and hospitality, building a resume that would allow me to obtain an office job, knowing that I was sacrificing passion for stability. And while such jobs have provided slightly more stability than what I had access to in the past, I've learned an important lesson: the meager surety an 8-5 grants me is not worth the pain I feel every day, knowing that I didn't even try to chase my dream. That is why I have decided to try.
Recently, I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance travel to Greece for four weeks to go on an archaeological dig, and gain the crucial field experience that is necessary if I am to truly pursue archaeology. With going back to school on my mind, and the looming possibility that, even if I did go back, I might still be unemployable as an archaeologist without the proper CV, I knew I had to take this chance. But the financial barriers which held me back so many years ago haven't gone away; in fact, they've only increased. So I've decided to ask for help.
Just to arrive in Greece and stay there, it will cost me $3,478.76. This includes a round-trip flight at $2,055 (includes travel insurance), weekly room and board for four weeks totaling $1,023.76 [$255.94 weekly], and an additional $400 [$100 weekly] for additional groceries and supplies while there. Not included in that total are my monthly fiscal responsibilities back home - namely rent [$500], utilities [$95], student loan payments [$150 minimum], and car insurance [$191.15]. What I ask of anyone reading this is help covering 55% of the expenses needed to get to Greece. I would cover the other 45%, as well as 100% of my expenses back home. Therefore, my fundraising goal is $1,913.32.
To express my gratitude to anyone who decides to help, I have created a donor tier list of gifts I will send as thanks:
$1 - $3 donation: a postcard from Greece with a handwritten thank-you note from me
$4 - $10 donation: a postcard from Greece with a handwritten thank-you note from me, plus a souvenir from Greece
$11 - $20 donation: a postcard from Greece with a handwritten thank-you note from me, a souvenir from Greece, plus a souvenir from a mystery layover city!
$21 - $40 donation: a postcard from Greece with a handwritten thank-you note from me, a souvenir from Greece, a souvenir from a mystery layover city, plus a bar of soap made by me with your choice of scent (lavender, sweet orange, coconut, or vanilla)
$41 - $75 donation: a postcard from Greece with a handwritten thank-you note from me, a souvenir from Greece, a souvenir from a mystery layover city, a bar of soap made by me with your choice of scent (lavender, sweet orange, coconut, or vanilla), and a 5mL custom perfume oil rollerball!
$76+ donation: a COMPLETE gift basket including a postcard from Greece with a handwritten thank-you note from me, a souvenir from Greece, a souvenir from a mystery layover city, a bar of soap made by me with your choice of scent (lavender, sweet orange, coconut, or vanilla), a body butter in your choice of scent (lavender, sweet orange, coconut, or vanilla - mix and match with your soap!), and a 10mL custom perfume oil rollerball!
Any help at all is greatly appreciated, and will not be forgotten. I will reach out to donors for shipping information so I can send you your goodies once back in the States. Please be aware that I leave on the 26th of June and will not be back until the 18th of July. I am booking a refundable flight, so in case I am unable to attend the dig for any reason, all donations will be refunded.
P.S.: Wondering why I'm offering handmade soap and perfume as thanks? Check out my shop "threecatmoon" on Etsy to know more!