Hi, my name is Taina, and I’m a high school student living on a small island in Indonesia, with a big goal: to learn, grow, and one day study at Yale University.

I was recently accepted into a TED Summer School program in New York and received a 30% scholarship. This opportunity means a lot to me because it’s more than just a summer program, it’s a chance to learn from inspiring mentors, meet students from around the world, and develop skills in communication, leadership, and critical thinking.

Being in New York would also allow me to visit Yale’s campus, something I’ve dreamed about for years. Seeing it in person would make my goals feel real and motivate me even more to work toward them.

Even with the scholarship, the total cost is still very high. The program fee is €4,843 and when round trip flights from/to Indonesia and basic daily expenses are included, the total comes to about €6,800.

Education and opportunities like this mean everything to me. I work hard in school and always try to push myself further, and this experience would help me grow in confidence, independence, and global awareness. It would truly be an investment in my future.

Any support, big or small, would mean so much to me. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and support my journey!