Karen's Study Abroad in London

Friends and family,
I am excited to share I have been selected to study Urban Sociology and Culture in London this summer as part of the Texas State Honors Program.

When I was 20 years old, I fell in love with the social laboratories that are cities. After working on the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, I learned that we are responsible for shaping the kind of place we want to live in. While it's easy for it to feel otherwise, as citizens, our power doesn't stop at the polls. Cities, I learned, are the petri dish for civic engagement and social advancement.

This lesson propelled me to found a non-profit alongside my closest friends. We wanted to create a space for young cinephiles and filmmakers to build community. I wanted to watch movies that wouldn’t regularly come to Laredo. Independent movies, classics of cinema, foreign films – in an isolated city, these experiences can provide revealing insights about the world around us from the proximity of a screen. They help us learn about the world. 

This summer, I am blessed to be among a select group of students to study one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world – London. My academic interests are rooted in sociology & urbanism, and my creative passions are fueled by understanding the intersection of film, art & culture. This program is the culmination of everything I academically and civically care about, so I am most looking forward to applying the lessons I will learn during my studies to my hometown and my work as a creative and scholar.

Much of my life experiences have been a journey from seeing myself as powerless, to understanding how to get things done. Systems, hardships, and circumstances can make us believe otherwise, but building power in our community can be as easy as calling a neighbor and starting a film club, book club, or community initiative.

While I am most excited about this incredible opportunity, I can't get there without your help. I have been working to help cover tuition expenses, but unfortunately, I am falling short from my tuition goal. The program will take place from July 8th to July 31st. I am raising $4,000 to cover airfare, housing, and tuition costs.  My deadline for all program expenses is June 15th. I would eternally appreciate your support in this endeavor. Your contribution will help me get closer to my goal and grant me the opportunity of a lifetime.

Thank you for believing in me and for your kind contribution. Anything helps.

Ever grateful,
Karen