Hi, my name is Sydney Ramirez. I am a junior in high school, and I was recently accepted into a month-long CIEE summer program in Rome, where I will be studying Italian language and culture. When I found out I was accepted and received a scholarship, I was shocked, excited, and beyond grateful. I have always dreamed of visiting Rome because of its incredible history and beautiful landscapes, and this program will allow me to fully experience the culture while becoming more independent. This opportunity will also strengthen my college applications and support my future goal of becoming a travel nurse, where I hope to work in different places around the world. I am very proud of where I come from. I grew up in Montebello/East Los Angeles and coming from a single mother household, not many kids like me have the opportunity of a lifetime like this. I am involved in multiple sports, volunteer in clubs, and have been working and saving as much as I can while also having help from my mother. However, I still need to raise $3,500 to cover the remaining costs. Any support would help make my dream of studying in Italy a reality and would truly mean the world to me. I am excited to explore the world and be an example for other kids in my community, showing that if you are determined, you can become whatever you want in life and make your dreams come true. Thank you so much for believing in my future.