I'm an undergraduate student majoring in music, and I have a passion for performing opera. I have been invited to participate in the Lingua e Canto intensive Italian immersion course for young opera singers, taking place in Sant'Angelo in Vado, Italy.

I have even been offered a scholarship that covers part of the tuition to the program. This invitation is a huge honor and a wonderful opportunity, but it's also expensive! The cost of the remaining tuition and airfare add up to about $3800, on top of which I must consider meals while I am there, and three weeks of missed work. I am working two part-time jobs while attending college full-time right now, but most of my income goes toward school-related expenses and day-to-day living. This is why I am asking you for help! With some assistance from family and friends, I can take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity without having to sell any internal organs. I am trying to raise most of the needed amount by May 15th, when my final tuition payment for the program is due, but I would happily continue accepting donations until the program's start date of July 5th. I would also love to accept donations of airline miles--if you are interested in donating miles, please email me or message me on Facebook.

The ability to participate in this program would mean a great deal to me. I am ready to take seriously a career as an opera singer, and participation in a prestigious summer program like this one could be a major stepping stone toward such a career. The opportunity to study Italian language and diction in Italy is invaluable for someone hoping to sing opera professionally. The connections made with faculty and peers are also distinct advantages for later work in the field. The cultural experience and the adventure of traveling are, of course, quite exciting as well.

I can hardly express how grateful I would be for your support, from small donations to large.  Every dollar helps, and that is a fact! I am deeply grateful to all the teachers, friends, benefactors, artists, and employers who have allowed me to get to the point where I've been offered this opportunity, and of course I am infinitely grateful to my family who have always made everything possible for me. I will continue to be thankful toward any and all who are willing to help me on my journey forward, and to hope that I can someday return the favor.