I GOT ACCEPTED!!! Recently I applied for a European Hospitality Study Abroad Experience Maymester program that will be taking a very small group of twenty-two students abroad for thirteen days to explore the world of hospitality businesses, venues, and exclusive events. By the grace of God I was accepted into the program (they closed applications in less two weeks because of the amount of applications that were submitted). As a Hospitality Administration major this opportunity is a dream and a chance for me to not only grow in my desired field, but to gain first hand experience all while experiencing the different cultures and traditions that make up a large group of people across the world. And I mean, let’s be honest, this is an opportunity that anyone would jump on! I believe that programs like study abroad are important and if given the chance, we should all go. My friends that have gone in the past have given such moving testaments validating that it is a journey that cannot be compared to a summer vacation, or a celebratory holiday simply because it is so much more. A study abroad program is an adventure, both professionally and personally. I believe that gaining a deeper understanding of self and of the world as a whole is a vital part of the way we see each other and the unfamiliar.

So Kiana, where exactly are you going? The trip includes visits to cities in France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and my birthplace, Germany. The advantage of the program is that as student ambassadors we will have the opportunity to explore places that most tourists do not have the luxury of. Now you’re like okay Kiana get to the point, there must be a reason I’m receiving this lovely write up on your behalf. Tentatively the price of the trip itself is $4,200 with an additional amount of $800 in summer tuition, thus leading us into a grand total of $5,000. Georgia State tuition and fees and public transportation are not included in the price nor are all meals. Applying for scholarships was the first step on my list, the second is enlisting the help of my family, friends, and coworkers alike and this of course includes wonderful people like yourself. Enlisting your help will greatly offset the amount that I am feverishly seeking to raise.

All I ask of you is a small contribution towards my educational excursion of  $25. Any donation is appreciated. If you choose to go above and beyond I will count it as the ultimate Christmas blessing. As a thank to all who choose to donate, I will be documenting my trip with pictures as a visual to share with all of you via my Instagram. Thank you for taking the time to read this and in the words of my mother, “God gone bless you reallllllll good :).”

Payment 1: $1,500 due by January 13th 
Payment 2: $1,500 due by February 15th
Payment 3: $2,000 due by March 16th

Signed,

Unemployed College Student
AKA Kiana Baldon

No but seriously, thank you. xo