Hi, my name is Moshylena Edwards and I am entering my fourth year at San Francisco State University. I am majoring in Liberal Studies and minoring in Africana Studies. I began my higher education experience in the summer of 2014. Overall my college experience has been like my high school experience, the main difference being that in college I get to choose my courses. Essentially all I do is go to work and go to school, just as I did in high school. I wanted to make most out of my time at SF State, so last spring, I began looking into the study abroad program.

I was interested in studying abroad because I had always dreamed of being fluent in Spanish. After looking over the different programs, I realized the Learn Language Program in Jaen, Spain suited me best. This Spring, I was accepted into the program of my choice. My dream of being fluent in Spanish was finally on track to becoming a reality.  

Aside from learning Spanish, I also want to take dance classes specifically Zambra dance classes. The Zambra, similar to the Flamenco, is performed barefoot and is similar to Arabian belly dancing. I find belly dancing to be incredibly captivating because it has intricate hip isolation movements, and it is for that reason I want to take Zambra. In the past, I have taken Zumba and Afro-Haitian. I am interested in dancing because it is a beautiful form of expression as well as it is something I enjoy doing.

Being vulnerable is something I struggle with as well as adapting to change. By going to Spain, I am not only forcing myself to be vulnerable but I am also challenging myself. I will have to relinquish all the control I feel I have over my life. I will struggle with communicating with locals, getting around, as well as adjusting to being separated from my family. Social work is the field of work I am going into for my career and it deals with vulnerable people. By forcing myself to be vulnerable, I will be able to better empathize with my future clients. The ability to adapt to change is an essential skill as nothing in life is permanent and change is constant. Instability and lack of security are issues that my clients will also endure. The difference between my clients and I is that I have a choice in the matter. Therefore I would be developing skills that can only be learned through experience. These skills would help my personal growth as well as make me a greater social worker.

I am raising money to make my dreams come true. Although I will be the only one boarding the plane - this is not only for me. This is for my cousin Tuco who never got to cross the stage; for my cousin Derrick who was supposed to see me graduate but was gunned down 2 weeks before the ceremony; for my little cousins so they can see that they are not limited to what they see around them; for my parents who never have been presented with this opportunity. Last but not least, this is for my little brother Winston, may he know that the world is just waiting to be seen - he just has to choose where to go first. It took a village to get me to where I am today and it will take a village to get to where I am supposed to be. The cost of the program is $31,000. This will cover the tuition, books, transportation, rent, food, and extra activities.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you cannot afford to donate please take two seconds to share it or leave some kind and encouraging words below. Be well and keep a smile on your face.