My name is Shikia and I am a senior at the University of Washington. I have not had the easiest journey getting to where I am today and I am completely surprised I will be graduating from UW in June with my bachelors degree in Society, Ethics and Human Behavior. I ultimately want to help at risk youth that the rest of the world sometimes forget about. I used to be one of these kids, and I want them to know they aren't alone and how powerful and possible a college education is. 

As part of my college journey I have been accepted into a study abroad program that will take place in Rome! It was a pretty competitive program with only 20 open spots. The program is called Chritianity vs. Empire and focuses on how this old historical place has changed over time due to societal impact and pressure. While studying abroad I will also being doing weekly service work at a refugee center in Rome where I will be working directly with the refugees. This is going to be such an amazing experience for me and my journey, but I cant do it alone! As you may have assumed the cost of the program is very expensive, but I refuse to let finances stop me from this amazing opportunity. Financial Aid will be available to help with the program costs, but I am still going to need more funds to help pay for my expenses at home while I am gone, as well as for expenses while in Rome. I am not asking for a hand out!!!! I am working non stop, as well as still taking a full time school schedule in order to save for this opportunity. As I said before, I refuse to let finances stop me from this! Any bit of help at all would be so greatly appreciated. I also plan on starting a blog in order to keep track of all the incrediblethings that I am doing while studying abroad, and so the amazing people who helped support me can experience it with me. 

I leave for Rome at the end of March and that is when all program costs are due. 

Thank you all so much in advance!!! <3

Shikia :)