Hi, my name is Juniper, and I’m a sophomore in high school with an incredible opportunity to travel to Italy for three months for academics, art, and experience.

This Italy oportunity will allow me to experience different cultures within Europe, supporting me in my human resource and human services career path. The experience will expose me to larger diversity of cultures and how the people within them think, act, and communicate. Ultimately, benefiting my sociological understanding and abilities in my preferred career path.

I’ve grown up in a small town where everyone knows each other, and where there aren’t many opportunities for new experiences. Most teenagers here spend their time hanging out at the same few places because there’s simply not much else to do. While I’m grateful for my community, I’ve always dreamed of seeing more of the world and stepping outside of what’s familiar.

We will live in Cortona and travel to London, Rome, Florence, Venice, and more. Along the way, I’ll be able to experience new cultures, try different foods, be a part of an extensive art program, learn about history firsthand, and gain a broader perspective on the world. Through out my trip I will work on my graduation capstone; capturing tourism culture vs. authentic culture and travel using diptychs (a form of photography). I’ll also have the chance to grow independently, build confidence, and create memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I am working hard to make this opportunity possible by working at a local retail store and babysitting for family and neighbors. My mom has raised me and is also saving to help me (working extra aside of her full time job) but I need help. Their is still so much to pay for like flights, trains, food costs, and online education. Any support, big or small, would mean so much to me and help make this life changing experience a reality.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for supporting my journey.

Ps. it seems go fund me has a service fee however, if you scroll down you can slide to 0 (or a tip for go fund me if you would like)