Support Kyla Willis' Global Academic Journey

Hello! My name is Kyla Willis, and I'm about to embark on an adventure that promises to broaden my horizons and shape my future in ways I can only begin to imagine. As I stand on the cusp of my senior year at Xavier University of Louisiana, I find myself filled with excitement and anticipation. This January, I have the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Tokyo, Japan, and I'm reaching out to you, my community, to help make this dream a reality.

My journey began in Chicago, where I've called home all my life. Growing up in this vibrant, culturally rich city has instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity and a desire to understand different perspectives. This curiosity led me to attend XULA, where I've dedicated myself to my studies in Public Health Sciences. Currently, I’m maintaining a 3.45 GPA while actively managing internships, fellowships, student work-study, and community outreach initiatives to enrich my collegiate career and gain work experience in the field I'm passionate about. After graduation, I aim to leverage my education and experiences to work in health equity driven roles, focusing on improving healthcare access and outcomes for underserved communities. My ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of more equitable and effective health systems, both in the United States and globally.

Why Tokyo? Japan's blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity offers a unique learning environment that I believe will be invaluable to my personal, academic, and professional growth. By taking one of my required courses for graduation in this setting, I'll not only be advancing my studies but also gaining a global perspective that will undoubtedly enhance my understanding of the world and my place in it. The program I've been accepted into is more than just an academic endeavor. It's a chance to immerse myself in a completely different culture, to learn new ways of thinking and problem-solving, and to forge connections with people from across the globe. These experiences will be crucial in developing the kind of adaptability and cross-cultural understanding that are essential for pursuing a career in the public health sector.

However, embarking on this journey comes with some financial obstacles. The costs associated with program fees, international travel, airfare, boarding, and living expenses abroad are considerable. In addition to me applying for scholarships to assist, the funds raised will help cover these expenses, as they are not otherwise covered by the program. This is where I hope you, my community, can help. Your support will not only assist me in covering these expenses but will also be an investment in my future, enabling me to gain invaluable insights and experiences that will contribute to my long-term career goals. The knowledge, skills, and perspectives I will obtain while studying abroad will inform my future endeavors in ways that I’m confident will allow me to continue to give back to the community in meaningful ways.

Every contribution, regardless of size, will bring us one step closer to turning this dream into a reality and open doors to a world of new possibilities. Thank you for considering supporting my journey.