Hi! I’m Reese, but if you’re here, you probably already knew that…

I am currently in the spring semester of my sophomore year at The University of Colorado Boulder. I am pursuing a major in Environmental Studies with a minor in Media Studies.

Since December of 2025, I have been financially committed to a study abroad trip: “Dante in Florence”. This is a 3-week-long Global Seminar that is based in Florence, Italy. Ultimately, we will be studying the work of Dante Alighieri while visiting sites mentioned in the book “Dante’s Inferno”. In addition, we will be taking some classes on cooking, baking, art restoration, and native agricultural practices.

In an attempt to get more financial aid for this trip, the ENVS department is asking me to select an environmental issue while I am there, make a study, and come back to present it to their board. While I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my major while also exploring the world, the aid I receive for this project is no longer enough.

There has been a recent and unexpected change in my financial status. When I initially committed to this trip, I was lined up for a job and expected an additional refund. This is no longer happening, and the job search has gotten progressively harder.

If I withdraw from the trip at this time, I will owe them $1600 with nothing to show for it.

To be clear, I do not want to withdraw from this trip. It would be a dream to travel somewhere as beautiful and cultured as Italy.

I am humbly asking you for some assistance in making this dream trip happen!

Lastly, I do want to make it abundantly clear that I would not be in this position without my lovely grandparents and their endless generosity and support for my college education. It is a privilege to be in college, especially as a first-generation student.

Anything helps. Love you all!

-Reese