Support Rafael Mendoza's Study Abroad in Kenya

My name is Rafael Mendoza and I am an NC State University Freshman, majoring in Electrical Engineering. The reason I am starting this GoFundMe is because I recently got accepted into a study abroad program at my university to go to Kenya during spring break. This study abroad program is going to serve as one of my main engineering class credits (E 101). The reason I chose this program was because taking this class abroad would give me a chance to apply my learning in the real world and have something to show what engineering skills I have obtained over the years. This opportunity will give me the chance to learn more about engineering in the real world and learn about its real-life applications. In addition, in Kenya, our main engineering goals will be sustainability and innovation in cities/communities. I felt that I resonated with these goals because as an Electrical Engineer, my goal is to find ways to make energy more sustainable and also have to find ways to make processes more efficient.

I specifically chose Kenya because while I was investigating this country I found out that there have been many new environmental and social challenges that this country is facing as of now due to the rapid increase of population. As a future engineer, you are always looking for challenges and problems to fix, and this specific program is a great opportunity for me to learn how to innovate and create solutions. Also, Kenya has a lot of wildlife, so I’m interested in finding out how if I help build a sustainable foundation, it will positively or negatively impact wildlife in this ecosystem.

This study abroad program will help me build up my work portfolio and demonstrate my engineering skills. While this program will help me fulfill my E 101 credit, I will also have done an actual project that will be applied to real communities and not just a project in class that will probably not be applied in the real world. Finally, I hope this experience will bring me lots of new memories and help me grow not just as an engineering student but as a person. Also, after this study abroad experience I hope to go on many more shortly in college and keep traveling to other places around the world.

I am asking for your assistance in reaching my $5,000 goal for paying the costs of becoming a part of the Kenya E 101 Study Abroad program trip during Spring Break. Any contributions/donations will help me reach my goal. Also, I would appreciate your help sharing this fundraiser for my trip with your friends and family.

This goal will cover all of the program costs of the study abroad program: