Study Abroad in Uganda

With my moving to Columbus, I'm sure a few of you may see a Facebook or Instagram update and wonder what I'm doing these days. A lot has changed. I'm a student at The Ohio State University and have been since 2013. I was majoring in Security & Intelligence when I suddenly got bored of the subject. At the same time, I was learning Somali and taking a class on African Civilization. And just like that, I changed my major to African Studies, Security & Intelligence took a back seat as my minor, and Somali became my second minor. I knew just as much as any other American knew about Africa: Giraffes, Safaris, Lion King, political corruption, and the little that NatGeo every presented me. But did I ever actually take the time to look at just how large the continent is? I'll admit it: No. But I love history, I have a passion for humanity, and I live for the way different landscapes take my breath away and tell their own stories. I knew nothing more about Africa than what the average American knew and it was time I do myself some justice and explore. This school year, I studied so much that I slept for maybe 45 minutes-2 hours each night. I put everything I had into my studies and did extremely well. Sadly, I live in the states and books were not doing me any good. Yes, reading a book and writing an extensive paper on it each week for my independent study on the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region of Central Africa did me more good than I can explain, but one will never learn another culture until he himself surrounds himself in it. I now research Central Africa and the conflicts, wars, and corruption which colonialism laid the foundation for and the reality of Neocolonialism. I am very aware that that region of Africa is more than just conflict and war; it is full of life and beauty! I am lucky enough to be a student at a university that has such a wonderfully diverse student body and faculty, and has study abroad programs such as the one I will be a part of in May.

From May 16-June 11, I will be traveling throughout Uganda, staying in hotels only for a few nights and the rest of my days will be spent with host families. This truly is the opportunity of a lifetime. I will experience Uganda from a very real life perspective. This trip means the world to me. But no matter how exciting this is, reality is that I am a college student and do not have much money to pay for this experience which will pave the way to my future on the truly beautiful continent.

With all of this said, I am asking for your help. Please help me get to Uganda.

As many of you know, I am a photographer by hobby and am currently looking into photojournalism as a career. Yes, I will be taking my camera to Uganda and you know I will be taking thousands of photographs during my stay. With this in mind, I do not like to take people's money and not give anything in return. So, here's what I would like to give to you who donate:

I will be selling all landscape/architectural photographs which can be found on my Facebook and Instagram account: @hisnameismark

Click here to see photos from my Instagram page!

Here are the prices!

Small: 5x7 –$10 each or 2 for $15

Medium: 8x12 – $15 each or 2 for $20

Large: 12x18 – $25 each

X-Large: 16x24 – $40 each

Frame NOT included.

Please email me the name of the photograph (found on my Instagram account), your name, shipping address, and phone number.

Email me at [email redacted]

Remember, receiving a photograph of your choice is an option. If you would rather donate to me and not receive a photograph, I will happily accept that as well. Any amount of donation is accepted and I could not be more thankful for your friendship and willingness to help.

As always, thank you very much for your time!