Support Dakota's Dream of Robotics in Italy

Would you help me further my education—not only academically, but also in fulfilling my dream of seeing the world?

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return."

—Leonardo da Vinci

My name is Dakota, and I am currently a junior at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. I am studying Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in Robotics, a field that will help me accomplish my dream of working in the robotics industry. Specifically, I aspire to work for Asus Robotics to develop robotic engines that will one day be used on Mars.

As a child, I dreamed of building machines that would leave our planet and expand into the stars. During my youth, I competed in statewide math competitions and Science Olympiad events, earning multiple top-podium trophies. One of my proudest achievements was creating a robot capable of self-navigating a maze during a university competition.

Italy is renowned for its inventions that revolutionized the world, and it has been home to great minds like my personal inspiration, Leonardo da Vinci. He envisioned vast machines in an era when human knowledge was limited to the confines of one’s town. His work continues to inspire me to dream big and push the boundaries of what is possible.

My university is offering a month-long study abroad program in Tuscany, Italy, and I am asking for your support to help me be part of this life-changing experience. I need to raise $12,500.00 by February 24, 2025. I know this is a significant amount, but as one of my heroes, Walt Disney, once said: "All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." I truly believe this can happen with the support of my community.

Here is the breakdown of the costs:

$2,700 for the class

$5,300 for the program

$1,700 for books and fees

$1,400 for flights

$1,000 for food, transportation, and unexpected expenses

I am actively working toward this goal by organizing fundraisers in the coming weeks, applying for scholarships and grants, working overtime at my job, and saving every penny I can to make my dream of going to Italy a reality.

In the event that I don’t reach my goal, all funds raised will go toward continuing my education at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.