Hello, everyone! For those that don't know me, my name is Lacey Holmes, I'm from Keller, Texas and currently a senior at the University of North Texas. I am majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in Human Development and Family Studies and expected to graduate this December. (Yay!) I aspire to be a pediatric physician assistant in the future; I have always had a passion for making a difference in people's lives, especially children.

In the summer of 2017, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to Romania with the University of North Texas in a study abroad opportunity that focuses on human trafficking awareness and advocacy. I am very excited about this opportunity as it will be an amazing experience! This experience will undoubtedly enhance my education and change my perspectives. In addition to working one-on-one with children, families, and community members, I am also looking forward to seeing many historical and cultural sites across the country. I am especially excited to see Dracula’s Castle in Bran, Romania and the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary.

I immediately felt inspired to participate in this study abroad program the moment I was informed of the trip and the purpose behind it. Globally, human trafficking is a serious crime and grave violation of human rights. According to www.ArkofHopeforChildren.org: 600,000 to 800,000 women, children and men bought and sold across international borders every year and exploited for forced labor or commercial sex, 50% of those victims are estimated to be children, and there are 20.9 Million victims of Trafficking worldwide as of 2012. According to http://www.eliberare.com/en/: Thousands of people from Romania are being exploited every year. 57% of trafficked victims are sexually exploited, 73% of trafficked victims were recruited by relatives or friends, and 37% of trafficked victims were minors.  

I look forward to joining anti-human trafficking organizations, bringing awareness to schools, and being a part of the movement itself to decrease those numbers!

I greatly appreciate any donation that you are willing and able to contribute; supporters like you are the reason this type of opportunity is possible. I truly appreciate your assistance and thank you in advance for your support.  I cannot wait to share my experiences after my trip! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

All donations will go towards tuition, study abroad program fees, and travel expenses.

Below is a link with more info about the program offered by the University of North Texas.
https://studyabroad.unt.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=12259

Blessings to all!