My name is Lauren Butler and I am a senior at UC Berkeley studying Agriculture in the College of Natural Resources. I'm an active member of the Black Student Union and have organized with the Student Labor Committee, ASUC (student government at UC Berkeley), and currently intern with the California Nurses Association as a campus oganizer.

This January, I've been granted the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live abroad for five months, studying ecology and Carribbean culture in Barbados.

I am raising money to cover the cost of roundtrip airfare to Barbados, rent, food, school supplies, as well as a travel allowance so I can explore the island and immerse myself in the culture there.

I leave January 12, 2016, so I have a little under two months to meet this goal!

Studying in Barbados will be a life changing experience for me. It is, and has been, very tough being a Black student in America. During my years at Cal I have fought tirelessly against administration to acknowledge the racism and hate crimes that occur on my campus, always proposing solutions. I have fought gentrification in Richmond and to have our campus workers recognized as humans and payed living-wages. I have stood in solidarity with many other groups in their struggle as well. 

In this struggle I have seen victories, but still, it is very very mentally and emotionally taxing. I chose to study in Barbados, not only to learn in the beautiful and peaceful environment, but to immerse myself in a society where pepole who look like me are the majority. I look forward to exploring the diaspora of people with whom I share a long history. 

Studying abroad will provide relief from the stresses and burdens I carry everyday, studying and fighting for my right to exist as a Black student in America. I would be forever grateful to anyone who could help make sure I get this time to heal. 

In Unity,
Lauren