Support Samantha's Study Abroad in Ireland

Hi I’m Samantha. I lost my vision in 2018 unexpectedly. For the past six years my blind journey has been a rollercoaster. I was able to learn braille and some technology before Covid started. After Covid I went to blind school in Chicago. There, I learned more extensive braille, Cain mobility, technology, and how to navigate the kitchen to become more independent. Since I got back I enrolled at SIU majoring in Rehabilitation Services with a Minor in Psychology. I’m graduating in the spring with the hopes of continuing my education by getting a masters degree in the fall. This summer I have an amazing opportunity to go to Ireland on a study abroad trip. While over there I have the opportunity to learn about their mental health programs, FMLA, and public health in general. I hope to bring everything back to here to apply it to my career. Expenses for this trip are adding up unexpectedly. This is a dream opportunity and I would be one of the few visually impaired students at SIU to study abroad. Any support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all so incredibly much.