Lord of the Rings New Zealand Trip of a Lifetime

Hello there!

My name is Alex Lue, and I am a senior studying for an undergraduate degree in Business Administration - with Concentration in Marketing from George Fox Univeristy. As a first-generation student from a single-parent home, I'm honored to be graduating with a 4.0 GPA and summa cum laude. Graduating this April, I'm stepping into the exciting part of life - but before that, I am traveling to New Zealand with my school!

I am privileged to have been selected amongst 20 other students for this immense opportunity to visit New Zealand for three weeks in May 2023. I'm reaching out to my family, friends, and community members to partake in this adventure with me.

As a first-generation student of color from a low-income home, I never thought it possible to reach a point in my life to be graduating from a four-year university and pursuing my passion for storytelling in the professional world. I would not have been able to complete any of these feats without my family and fantastic friends/peers.

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit an entirely new country and encounter an eye-opening experience by visiting the Maori culture and its rich history in New Zealand is something I'll undoubtedly always remember, but potentially not do again.

Your support will significantly impact my life and overall experience of visiting a new part of the world. By allowing me to immerse myself in a rich culture riddled with fascinating life wisdom, I'll gain a greater understanding of various cultures and the beautiful people that give them vibrance and life.

My Present Goal: Though I have been awarded the Act Six Scholarship and have been the recipient of other academic scholarships, these awards do not cover the expenses needed for this trip, nor do I have the financial means to fulfill the monetary requirements of the trip. The $2,000 I'm attempting to raise would go towards the entire travel expense paid to my school, which covers roundtrip airfare from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Christchurch, NZ, hotel reservations, food, excursion fees, and more.

With this information in mind, I plan to reach this goal by May 1, 2023, allowing me enough time to pay George Fox University without incurring any debt upon graduation.

I want to better understand the world around me and those who give it color. I plan to use these learnings for post-graduation school work and entering the professional world, especially as I gain more insight into how to spread my story amongst my community, instilling a greater sense of understanding and appreciation for people of color.

While a secure internet connection is not promised upon visiting, I'll be documenting my trip and publishing YouTube videos for all who follow along. My greatest passion is storytelling, primarily through videography and writing. Traveling to Middle Earth will make for some landmark memories I'll hold onto forever.

There are countless fundraiser campaigns, but any support would be a Godsend! Whether it is a $5 or more donation, any amount makes a difference. Your kindness and contribution are deeply appreciated. Many thank you's for reading this, and a vast God bless you!

Please feel free to share this with any of your friends or peers.

Blessings,

Alex Lue