My name is Owen Hoffsten, and I am a sophomore attending Waynflete High School in Portland, Maine. My chinese class has decided to go on a trip to China, which I would very much like to participate in. The one problem is that my family does not have enough money in order to make this happen. I have not left America since I was very young, and I would love it if I could travel out of the country again, feeling the exhilaration of experiencing another culture. This is why I have created this campaign in order to raise money for this trip to China.  The funding will go towards the food, airfare, hotel fees, and various other costs that are mandatory on the trip.  At this time, we cannot afford to contribute the amount of money necessary for the trip, as it is extremely expensive, which is why I am asking for your help. This would mean so much to me, as going to China is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The culture of China speaks to me as well as the language. I embrace it daily in my chinese class, and this appreciation for China would be further enhanced if I was able to go on this trip. It would be amazing if our goal could be reached, and I would be forever thankful to the people who made it happen.