To a Lifetime of GIVE-ing

My whole life, I've felt small. Not in the way that I felt my personality was meek or that others made me feel small; Small in the sense that the whole world was calling upon me to solve it's most dire problems and I had no idea where to even begin. But I knew I had to try. From advocating for refugee children, to legislation, to disaster relief, I have never stopped trying to serve those who need it the most- the overlooked, the forgotten, the misunderstood, the underserved. My journey down this humanitarian path has lead me to GIVE.

   Growth International Volunteer Excursions, or GIVE, took myself and 32 other students to the remote village of Kairo on the island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. There, we built parts of a school, taught English, worked with a women's cooperative, and assisted with a clean water initiative. All of these created sustainable change within one of GIVE's international locations. My time in Kairo was life changing. It was also the answer to all of my questions and quelled all of my fears. GIVE was so impressed by my work they offered me a job with their Global Engagement Team starting in August as well as an internship this May back in Kairo for a month AND a wilderness certification program in the Cascade Mountains for a week in March!!

   While the accommodations in Africa are paid for, I am responsible for paying for the flights to my internship in May. I have financed my trip to Africa earlier this year as well as the flights for the Wilderness Certification Program in March, but financing flights to Africa this May is costly. Due to timing, I also have to fly from Germany, to Africa, and straight to Seattle for my sister's high school graduation in June. CAN YOU SAY CRAZY?!! GIVE loves the work that I do and has offered to contribute just to get me back in time, but the Education Budget for the year is set. I'm asking the many communities that I've become a part of over the years to help alleviate the financial burden of getting back to my students in Kairo.

   This internship is a pivotal step to my humanitarian career. I've never wanted something more than this. This is a perfect example of what being in the right place, at the right time, witht he right people can do. This is also a stepping stone to opening new educational and economic opportunities for the women and children of Kairo, a change that goes beyond myself. Please help me achieve my dreams and answer humanity's call to rise. If not for me, please donate to the education fund in Kairo for the students. The community of Kairo showed me that though while we are all small, together we are mighty and that a life most fulfilled is in a lifetime of GIVE-ing.

   I'd like to reach my goal and purchase a flight by the second week in March to avoid increasing prices.
I would also like to thank every single one of the people in my life who have supported me unconditionally and to those who donate. I'd like you to know that I'm eternally grateful for you whether you donate or not (but please do).