Hello everyone! My name is Keji Latio, and I am from Canal Winchester, Ohio. 

I've always been a dreamer. From being a four year old girl who aspired to be a doctor, to a fourteen year old who wants to be a surgeon, my dreams have always motivated me to be a better version of myself.

But now, I need YOUR help to make turn one of my dreams into reality.

From May 19-22, I attended the life-changing Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Ohio South Seminar. Every year, high schools select sophomores they believe have leadership potential to represent their school at these Leadership Seminars across the country. I was blessed to be given the opportunity to represent Canal Winchester HS (GO INDIANS!!) at HOBY Ohio South.

When I walked into HOBY, I was intimidated, intrigued, and slightly scared of what I was getting myself into. Every staff member made me feel welcomed and secure. And all the other ambassadors from different schools became my family over those four short days. Whether we were screaming and dancing with our junior facilitators, listening to keynote speakers, or reflecting during group breakouts, everyone in attendance was transformed. Attending the conference didn't just make me a better leader, it created a passion in me for community service and gave me the best family in the world.

However, HOBY didn't end when I left Denison University. The HOBY World Leadership Congress is held every summer in Chicago for ambassadors like me to continue their HOBY experience. For 8 days, ambassadors explore Chicago, make international friends, and participate in leadership building activities so they can make changes in their communities.

I would love to attend the WLC. Not only would it enhance my HOBY experience, but it would aid me in pursuing one of my passions: helping those who don't have the resources to help themselves. Those who see me at school have probably seen me knitting hats and scarves for Under the Stars, a homeless outreach in downtown Columbus.  Since going downtown and actually meeting the homeless community, I've been inspired to find a way to reach more people in need with my handmade hats. The WLC can open so many doors to help make my hobbies something bigger. However, I cannot get there without your support. The total cost of tuition is $1,825, so I am asking for your financial support. It doesn't matter how much you can donate, every dollar counts. The deadline for my application is June 30th, but the sooner I reach the goal, the better my chances are of getting accepted. I hope you will support my travel to the WLC. Prayers will also be appreciated in this very stressful time for my family. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. God bless!

ps I love you if you made it this far