First and foremost, some of you reading this—whether family member, friend, or stranger alike—generously donated two summers ago and made it possible for me to study in Athens for a wonderful, exhilarating month. For that, I cannot express my gratitude enough. A life-changing experience was made possible by your kind hearts, and alas, it seems I’ve caught the travel bug.

This spring, I’ll be studying abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, currently ranked the third-best university in the world for Classical Studies—and yes, my spot is already secured! For those who do not know me closely, I’m a junior at the University of New Hampshire with four majors (History, Philosophy, Classical Cultures, and Classical Languages). Thus, I will be taking courses in Latin, Ancient Greek, and ancient history, learning from world-renowned scholars—just as soon as I learn to understand what they are saying, anyways.

Books and the sort may well tell us of the past, yet travel alone tells us of this world we live in, and ever reminds us of the humanity of our global peers. The philosopher Anaximander once said we never step in the same river twice. By this wisdom I think it paramount to explore the world today, if only to experience it anew tomorrow. Studying abroad isn’t just about adding another stamp to my passport (though admittedly that will be pretty cool)—it’s about broadening my perspective, deepening my understanding of cultures, and building connections with people whose lives are very different from my own.

The total program cost is about $24,000. I’m covering $6,000–$7,000 with my own savings and scholarships, but your help could reduce how much I need to borrow in loans (present me thanks you profusely, future me may even write you into the will) and make it possible for me to travel within Europe while I’m there—because it would be a shame to be that close to so many different places and not go.

Even $5 is hugely helpful—about a third of a train ticket or a quarter of an airport sandwich. If you can help me make this opportunity a reality, I promise to make the absolute most of it—and to send plenty of updates along the way for anyone wishing to travel vicariously without leaving your couch.

Thank you for helping me take this next big step toward becoming not just a better scholar, but a better citizen of the world.