Sofia's Journalism Dream

If you are reading this this letter, you most likely know that I’m Sofia Olsson, a sophomore at Acalanes High School, too sarcastic for my own good, and, perhaps the most important detail, I am a writer. To take things a step further, I am a journalist. I am currently writing for Blueprint, my school’s newspaper and journalism is something that I have completely fallen in love with.


The New York Times Summer Academy is the physical manifestation of my dream school; it is a two week long course in New York City designed for ambitious high school writers. (I am an ambitious high school writer if you were unsure.) Finding myself enthralled in the Academy’s journalism program, I applied and somehow my application made the cut. I need to raise $5,750 for tuition to the School of the New York Times Summer program and I don’t have money, but I do have a lot to say.


I have always enjoyed writing, but this year I realized that journalism is the thing I love. There is something about being able to benefit the public good through telling the stories of real life that calls to me in a way I have never felt before. My passion for journalism and love of learning converge perfectly in the New York Times journalism program. (Check it out: https://nytedu.com/courses/pre-college/writing-the-big-city-reporting-in-new-york-level-2/).


The only issue I have come across is the fact that I lack $5,750.


I will be contributing $500 of my own money and my wonderful parents have so generously offered to pay for my airfare and expenses, but to my dismay, these contributions to my tution still leave me short over $5,000.


Any donation that you can contribute would be immensely appreciated as any donation will help me get one step closer to living my dream.


Thank you so much!




(If I do not reach my goal in time, I will be returning all donations.)