HOLA! My name is Maria-Alejandra Paz. I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts Boston working towards a  Bachelors of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing. I am a first generation Guatemalan-American, and the first person in my family to attend a four year college straight out of high school.

Three years ago I began my journey as an undergraduate student. At the very beginning of my college career, I had only one thing on my mind: GRADUATE. However, I quickly realized that college was much more than a degree- college is a journey of personal growth and development. I needed to make my college years worth MORE! So I decided to make a list of goals to enrich my college experience, one of them being a semester abroad.

I have always dreamed about studying abroad! Studying abroad is personally meaningful because it is a wonderful opportunity to broaden my way of thinking. It will do this by forcing me to assimilate to and learn about another culture. In doing this I will be able to gain a new perspective, a new cultural lens, to help me critically think about my own culture and life back home.

This semester I have been given that opportunity to travel to Barcelona, Spain and Rome, Italy for two months! I was recently accepted to travel with CIS Abroad , an innovative educational program that broadens academic perspectives, promote global awareness, and encourages personal development while laying the foundation for participants to become engaged world citizens.

During my two months, I will spend half the time in Rome and the other in Barcelona. I will be taking 12 credits in the span of 2 months. In Rome I will be surrounded by ancient ruins, and historical art. While in Barcelona, I will be captivated by the cosmopolitan life and vibrant setting.

This opportunity is my DREAM come true! However, financially my family and I are struggling to afford it. The price the program is $10,000, but I have been saving up for an opportunity like this for 2 years, in hopes that I would finally be given the chance. Therefore, I am in need of $6,000 by April 15th, in order to officially participate.

 If I go on this trip I will be the FIRST IN MY ENTIRE family to study abroad. I want to make them proud but I can’t do it alone. PLEASE help me reach my dream and my goal!

Any donation is welcomed!!!!!

Your time is very much appreciated and in the words of Bo Bennett:

“A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement.”