Cheerio!

I can’t wait to tell you all about a life-changing, global, education adventure that is in my sights! Only a few hurdles stand between me and studying abroad, an extremely important step towards my future career goals. I have the opportunity to study abroad in the United Kingdom this fall, which will help anchor my major degree in Communications and International Studies minor -- the first steps towards making a real difference in our world!

Those of you who know me, know that I’m a true people person, with a heart to serve, love, and help (4 mission trips to Nicaragua and 3 here in the states) and I am also Younglife leader mentoring high schoolers while in Chattanooga. In order to make the greatest impact on people, I need to go beyond our American borders, and viewpoints. I think you’ll agree that learning about people different from ourselves is the best way to bridge cultural gaps and embrace this beautiful, diverse world we live in.

I am passionate about changing the world and I am not waiting until I get my degree to start this process. Everywhere I go and everything I do, I give my best to make a positive impact on people and the communities that I am a part of. I truly believe studying abroad will be the catalyst I need to jumpstart my future.

Please read on for the details about my journey across the pond...

So here’s the preview of this big dream of mine. The study abroad program I have been accepted into is located in a port city in northeast England called Sunderland, (Sunderland University), a good five hours or so away from London. I chose this specific program location because of its focus and reputation as one of the top places in the world to study Communications. I will be a full time student there, and of course, I plan on being actively involved on campus. My goal has always been to pursue my education to the utmost of my abilities, and that plan has always centered around working hard. Thus far, I’ve been on the Dean’s List 4 times in a row, have a Major GPA of 4.0.

The good news is: hard work does pay off! The total cost of the program is $10,950, and because I’ve worked diligently in school, I have been awarded scholarships of $5,883 to use towards that amount. Combined with my student loans, it will take me close to the goal, but I will need to raise approximately $4,000 to cover airfare, meals and additional educational travel. I have already started working hard, picking up as much work as I can get this summer. I plan on making as big of a dent as possible towards that additional cost.

Now here is a little more about me for those who would like to see where I am coming from:

I have been a volunteer and leader for the non-profit organization “Young Life” for the past year and a half. This beautiful, and sometimes gut-wrenching experience has helped to better develop my ability to share and communicate with sincerity. I have been challenged to go into high schools and spark conversations with students who live in truly horrendous situations. The school I am a leader at is intensely gang oriented, and the students experience all kinds of tragedies. One of my girls lost her 17 year old cousin to a gang shooting, and she and her friends have lost numerous classmates along the way to senseless gang violence. Our team meets these students right where they are, armed with hope, a hope that is truly needed on a global scale as well as right here at home.

Being a Young Life leader has taught me more than I ever could have imagined and I love it. I have been able to share my own family struggles and relate to my high schoolers in many situations. Coming from a single parent family, our choices have constantly been centered around meeting, and defeating financial obstacles. Finances have not stopped us before, and it will not stop me now.

I would love for you to see the world through my eyes, so I plan on blogging while I’m there. Also while I am abroad, I will be sending videos to my students and my team adding a global perspective. I would love to be a testimony to the kids at my school, showing them that they can do anything they set their minds to. I want to share with them that hard work pays off, and that asking for help isn’t a negative, but that people want the best for them, just like I know people want for me. Again, I hope you’ll join me and be a part of this journey. Together let’s make an impact and take hope around the world!

Thank you for your time, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

With love, Sarah