I am starting this blog to document my challenging journey to raise money and take a journey to China through a program called the International Scholar Laureate Program Delegation. The program starts on June 2nd and will last for two weeks, ending on June 15th. I received an email a few days ago announcing my acceptance into the program. Usually I dismiss these kinds of opportunities for lack of funds. This time, like the others had been, is a once in a lifetime opportunity I just cannot let slide by. With the support of my friends and family, I am making the effort to raise the funds to go to China.
So what have I done so far?
I have spoken to friends and family for help in raising money and awareness of my GoFundMe fundraiser that I have set up. I have briefly spoken to my spiritual center, where I teach young children, which has expressed interest in this opportunity for me. I will discuss the details more in the following week with them.
What do I still have to do?
A lot! Seriously.
Okay so first on the list, a passport. I haven't had one before so I have to find the time to get my picture taken and apply for my passport. This really needs to be done this week! I need to find out more about applying for a visa since I will need that to enter China, not just the airport.
What am I doing now?
Studying. With all the fundraising and acquiring the items I need for this trip, I am also in the midst of my sophomore year at Indian River State College, working towards my A.A. in Secondary Education. This means with all the work I do now I will be doing even more. I have midterms and homework along with fundraising and getting the word out there.
Is there anything you can do to help me?
Yes!
*If you can financially help, that is great! $1, $5, $10 or more. Whatever you can afford to help means a great deal for me on this journey. Every dollar counts.
*If you can't financially help, there is still something you can do. Share this blog, share my GoFundMe campaign, tell people about this. Help me get the word out there.
*Moral support is always welcome too. Please, send me encouraging words of wisdom, keep up with my posts and just keep me in your prayers and good thoughts.
I understand this will be a long and hard journey for me but I am willing to work for it. In future posts I will discuss more about my life and why this opportunity means so much to me.
So this is all for now. Please take care.
再见
Zàijiàn
~Charlotte~