As many of you know, I was welcomed into a new family in the central highlands of Peru during my two years there as a Peace Corps volunteer. I will forever be grateful for their kindness, hospitality, and support. My host sister Sandivel was just accepted into a 5-year Veterinary Medicine program at a private college (Universidad Peruana los Andes), and we're requesting support to help her acheive her dreams! Sandi is an incredible young woman who at the age of 20 has already completed a 2-year technical degree in Agriculture, not to mention her inumerable acheivements as a soccer player. While her prior degree was fully-funded by the government university, the program she was just accepted into (and which starts next week, March 31st) is expensive, especially in local currency. She will be eligible for university scholarships beginning in her second year, so our goal is to support her through her first year. Our hope is that she can be free from financial stress and focus on her career and future. The cost for the first year enrollment and tuition is approximately $1,700, and our goal is $2,500 so we can also help her get a new laptop (her current laptop is on its last life) and support her with other costs such as housing, food, and school supplies. With our own contribution and outside donations we've already raised $1,000, so our goal is actually only $1,500! We are extremely grateful for your support, and I know that Sandi is as well.

Here is what Sandi would like to share if all of you:

Hola, mi nombre es Sandivel y tengo 20 años. Me gusta mucho jugar fútbol, cocinar, y estudiar. Uno de mis sueños es tener una carrera universitaria y sacar adelante a mi familia. La carrera que estoy por empezar estudiar es Medecina Veterinaria. Tengo mucho amor por los animales y esta carrera me permite ayudar y cuidar a los animales, lo que me llena de satisfacción y alegría. Estaré muy agradecida con el apoyo que me puedan dar. ¡Muchas gracias! Bendiciones para cada uno de ustedes.

[In English:] Hello, my name is Sandivel, and I am 20 years old. I really like playing soccer, cooking, and studying. One of my dreams is to have a university degree and support my family. The degree I am about to start studying is Veterinary Medicine. I have a lot of love for animals. Veterinary medicine allows me to help and care for animals, which fills me with satisfaction and joy. I would be very grateful for any support you can give me. Thank you very much and blessings for each one of you!

We will keep everyone updated on her progress and share receipts of the transfers to her account or other purchases as much as possible. Thank you!

Alex Brouwer and Ana Vargas