Help Olivia Willoughby Study Botany in Madagascar!

This Fall! Leaving on September 4th, 2025!

Hi friends, family, and supporters of big dreams!

My name is Olivia Willoughby, and I’m entering my third year at Cal Poly Humboldt, where I’m majoring in Botany—a field I’ve loved ever since I realized plants don’t just sit there… they talk (well, sort of), adapt, and even heal.

This fall, I’ve been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: to study abroad in Madagascar through the prestigious SIT Study Abroad program, focusing on biodiversity and natural resource management. This isn’t just a trip—it’s the next step in my calling.

Why Madagascar?

Madagascar is home to over 90% of plant life found nowhere else on Earth. As someone deeply committed to understanding ecosystems, conservation, and how indigenous knowledge intersects with modern science, I can’t think of a more vital or inspiring place to learn.

Through this program, I’ll:

• Work directly with local researchers, farmers, and conservationists

• Conduct a field-based independent research project tied to my Botany degree

• Immerse myself in Malagasy culture and language

• Learn how to use science to create real-world impact—sustainably and respectfully

This experience will not only deepen my education, but also position me ahead of the curve when it comes to job opportunities after graduation.

What I Need

The cost of this program—tuition, housing, travel, vaccines, research materials, and insurance is $22,000.

This is where you come in. If you believe in education, the environment, or young women pushing boundaries—I humbly ask for your support.

How You Can Help

• Donate what you can—every dollar plants a seed

• Share this with your network—your repost could reach someone who loves plants as much as I do

• Follow my journey—I’ll be posting updates and photos along the way, so you can see the impact you're making firsthand

Thank You

Thank you for believing in me, in science, and in the power of global learning. Whether you donate, share, or simply send good vibes—you’re helping a small-town girl grow something big.

With all my heart (and a few leaves),

Olivia Willoughby

Future Field Botanist | Cal Poly Humboldt | Class of 2027