Hi everyone,

My name is Amalia Ferrer-Quiñones I am a Washington Heights resident and native who has been raised by a wonderful and incredibly hard-working single mom. I have had the privilege of studying in the Dance Conservatory at SUNY Purchase for the past 2 years and will be entering my junior year this fall.

Toward the end of my sophomore year, I found out that I along with two other students of color in my year got accepted to study abroad in London for the fall semester. I am overjoyed at the prospect of being able to study outside of the US. Spending time outside of the country hasn’t been attainable for me and my mom financially so going to London would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Being immersed in a new culture outside what I have known for the past 19 years would be incredibly life-changing. London is an epicenter for a multitude of cultures, where I'll be able to study new dance techniques from teachers that I wouldn’t be able to learn from in the US.

Unfortunately, the prospect of studying abroad in London has proven to be a huge financial burden. The cost of housing alone is over $9,000 for the semester. My mom and I are both working and doing all we can to finance this opportunity, however, the cost of housing, airfare, tuition, and food has made the prospect of going incredibly difficult. Your support and contribution will not only help me in being able to fulfill my dream of studying dance in London, but

also help lift part of the financial burden this has caused for me and my family. Thank you so much for your consideration and I appreciate your support in helping me study dance abroad this fall.