Hi! My name is Katie Youn, and while I've spent the last couple of years on the West Coast, I'm originally from the greater Philadelphia area. As of Sunday, May 24, 2026, it will have been 659 days since I've had my last Wawa hoagie.

In 2023, a week after my high school graduation, my family relocated to Arizona. I then started my time as a film student at the University of Southern California, thus splitting my time between Phoenix and Los Angeles. Though this time marked an exciting transition in my life, it was, admittedly, immensely difficult to get accustomed to. I was constantly homesick for a place that I never really got a chance to go back to. I craved the trees and the creeks and the train rides into the city. I missed seeing cobblestone streets, historical reenactors, and the street art I became familiar with.

Since my family moved, I've only been able to go back to Philly once, right before starting my sophomore year. Now, as a rising senior, I'm asking for help so I can afford to go back once more.

repping the birds on set!!

Being a college student in an expensive city while being financially independent from my parents, it's been admittedly hard to save up for a plane ticket back home. I've had to push back planned trips to visit friends I haven't seen in years due to unforeseen school-related costs. This summer is the last time I can afford to revisit old friends, places, and memories before focusing on my post-grad plans. It may seem silly to make an entire GoFundMe page for a plane ticket, but to me, it's my way of not giving up on seeing the people and the places that have influenced the person I am today. And, of course, to enjoy the Wawa hoagie order that has remained unchanged since the 3rd grade:

Any bit of support helps! Thanks for reading <3 and go birds dh