My Gap Year Volunteer Plan

Hi Friends and Family,

Truth be told, the last year of my life has been stressful.  As I’m sure it is for any senior trying to make decisions about their future.  I had no plan for what to do after high school, up until I began looking at volunteering, and that is where I fell in love with Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary in Cost Rica.

This amazing facility will provide me with the opportunity to actively participate in Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, while meeting new people from all over the world and exploring a new culture. 

Animals have always had a special place with me. But I’ve always been fascinated and compassionate about wildlife.  My family has always been involved with animals, from my grandpa raising and flying pigeons and being a biologist and animal encyclopedia, to my mom being a bird lover, watcher and just a lover of all things to do with the outdoors.  Nature has been a huge part of my childhood and I think spending time taking care of animals that have been injured or become sick is something that will be incredibly rewarding.

My hope is that this opportunity provides me with an experience that will guide me on my path to figuring out what it is I want to pursue with schooling.  But I know it will bring me a wonderful opportunity to travel, the ability to contribute to animals in need, and learn and grow from an amazing volunteer experience.  I also think just taking a break from school and having a partial gap year with some travel is a wonderful opportunity for any 18 year old. 

Finally, I do want to recognize all of you reading this and thank you.  My deepest appreciation for all of you who have spent the last 18 years being a part of my world.  You all have provided me with so much love and I know each of you that have received my graduation announcement have been a huge part of my childhood and I cannot thank you enough for adding such value to my life. 

My goal with Go Fund Me/Graduation gift, is to reach $3000 for my trip, which would cover the entire trip for at least a month, but possibly longer.