Help Mandy Study Abroad!

Hello, my name is Mandy. I am a Communications major with a certificate in Peace and Social Justice. I have just been accepted in an exchange program at the Catholic University of South Korea.

When I got the news, I couldn’t believe it. I never thought that I, coming from a poor background, would ever be able to leave the country. I thought I would always stay in the neighborhood that I grew up in. Yet, now I have a chance to explore the world. Since coming to college I have been growing and gaining more confidence to be the best me that I can be. I believe that going abroad will help me grow as a person even more. But I have a problem: money. I have saving up money and taking out loans, but I need help. I normally don’t like asking for help. I have always felt that I didn’t want to be a burden on those around me. My main concern is that people have their own problems, I don’t want to add onto that stress. But, I am taking a leap of faith here by asking for help. I don’t want to grow old regretting not going abroad. I don’t want something like money to hold me back from being the best I can be. As a Communication major, I believe in community and the power of groups and individuals.

I am the Student Coordinator of a program at my college for minority, first generation, and low income students. I have forty freshman that I help. This semester I’ve been telling them not to give up on their dreams, to keep fighting, and to take every opportunity with both hands. I don’t want to go back on my words. I want to keep fighting like I am telling them to do. I want them to look up to me, and realize that if I could do it, they can.

Any contribution is appreciated. If you are able to help me with my journey, I am just at a loss for words at how much it means to me. I leave to South Korea late February, but I will have this open for as long as I can.

Please have a wonderful day, and never give up.