Hello to whomever may see this, my name is Phoebe-Kate! I am a rising senior. I was accepted to the Teens Westward Bound program this summer, which is a Christian led organization. I am extremely honored and grateful to have this opportunity to travel the country for 23 days with some of my closest friends! The application process wasn’t easy, yet my friends and I were some of the 200 applicants accepted out of the 500 who applied. I have worked so incredibly hard for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Some of the accomplishments that tell you how I got accepted to this program are as follows:

* Straight A’s

* Attending a lottery based Blue Ribbon school of excellence with unmatched academic and career opportunities

* Working a job in town

* The TWB application process which included a past participant recommendation to apply, an in person interview, as well as a typical application with 2 teacher recommendations and another peer recommendation

* Beta club that is committed to helping our community

* Invitations to multiple honors societies such as the National Honor Society of High School Scholars, and National Honor Society

However, as I’m sure a lot of people are aware, our current economy is making life even more difficult, and I’m no exception. My mamma is a single mom, and has been for 17 years. She is the most patience, hardworking, graceful and loving mother. She does all that she can to provide for me and give me the best in everything. But, between my mamma and I, Teens Westward Bound feels so out of reach. We just aren’t in the financial picture to pay the final payment, which is due May the 10th, not to mention necessities for the trip itself. My mamma always tells me that if you don’t ask the question the answer is no anyways, so here I am. I hate to ask anyone for help of this kind, because I know that money does not grow on trees, but if anyone sees this and feels compelled to help, it would mean the world to me. My mamma has no idea that I am setting this up. I see her stressed out so frequently, yet trying to shield me from it, and I want to do what I can to ease that stress. Either way, I thank you for your kindness, empathy, and generosity. Remember that you are powerful beyond measure ( credits to my mamma), and have a blessed day.