***UPDATE*** AFS has informed me that for the entire month of April, whatever donation I receive is automatically matched by them. In other words, whatever anyone is able to give will be doubled. That's awesome news right there. Any donations would be even more appreciated! Once more, I'd be extremely thankful to anyone who is willing to support me with this. =)
To start off, this is not exactly easy for me. I guess the silver lining would be that it teaches me humility (in the good sense). Still, I realize that I need to act to reach my goals.
Tuition. The total I need to raise is $13,000 (not including costs such as visas, spending money, host family gifts, and so on). I think I have mentioned in a previous post of being awarded $2,000 in an AFS NJ scholarship. I applied to the Global Leaders Scholarship from AFS and received an additional $1,500. That makes $3,500 in scholarship money alone. I already have $3,000 earned ($900 already deposited). Thus, that is $6,500. My parents are willing to generously fund $4,000. The grand total thus far that I have is $10,500. That's pretty close to $13,000. Still, there's a difference of $2,500 (not factoring the additional costs of the required visa, modest spending money, host family gifts, and other stuff needed for departure). Just this past weekend I went job hunting with Florence and we picked up applications and started to fill them out. I really am hoping to land a job soon.
**Widget & Donation Information in Detail**
Still, worst case scenario, I am stuck where I am now and will not be able to earn the remaining balance on time. Scary thoughts. Thus, I have employed the help of an AFS widget. On the right side bar at the top, there is a widget for people to donate whatever they can to my remaining tuition balance. I have made the goal $3,000 taking in consideration of the additional costs. Donations are made through PayPal. A PayPal account is not required to donate. However, a credit/debit card is required. Any donation given goes directly to my tuition balance and will not touch my hands. Therefore, rest assured it will not be put to waste. Should a complete disaster occur and I am not able to go to France, all donations will be returned to their respective donors. Any donation, no matter how small is equally appreciated. There is a "Sponsor Roll" on the top of the left sidebar. All donors will be represented there in order by date of donation. However, donors will be able to request how they would like to be acknowledged (nickname, first name only, business name, etc). For any additional information, feel free to contact me by any means or leave a comment.
Once more, I'm not quite pleased in asking for financial assistance, especially in this economic environment. Yet, I realize that it is a significant financial burden and that any aid will surely be appreciated. =] Still, I would like to present myself with the following:
Dear Prospective Sponsor,
I am Rogelio Quispe and I would like to extend my sincerest gratitudes to you for taking the time to read this as well as considering in assisting me realize my goal of studying abroad. I wish to study abroad with AFS so that I may gain a new perspective of world cultures. Although I reside in a magnificent nation, I am fully aware that there are other people in the world besides those around me. The experience will, without a doubt, impact me in a positive manner.
From my experience, I expect to develop a fresh insight and be able to relate with another culture other than my own. Naturally, I will gain the ability to communicate with others as I learn another language. Leadership, independence, and interpersonal skills are just a few of my abilities that I expect will flourish during my time abroad. Rest assured that I will give all that I can in return. I will certainly consider registering with AFS as a youth volunteer as well as advocating and supporting others who desire to study abroad. I will also help people to realize that there is more to the world than our environs.
My family fully supports me with my decision to become an AFSer. They believe it is a phenomenal opportunity to gain knowledge of peoples worldwide. Additionally, they know not all people are up for the challenge. However, they admire that I took the initiative to go beyond and take this endeavor upon myself. My friends are awed that I would consider leaving the country and live in a foreign place. Yet, they know that my decision to become an AFSer will be beneficial for me.
Of course studying abroad carries a hefty price tag. However, I know that it takes action to realize ambitions. Fortunately, my drive fuels me to act and raise funds for my goal. I reflected upon my talents and abilities and put them to use. For instance, academics are a strong point for me. Accordingly, I have started to tutor local children in my neighborhood and have raised a decent portion of the cost to study abroad. However, I know that I still have around $3,000 remaining to raise. Thus, I have started to apply for jobs and hopefully will land one. Still, I plan on raffling and spreading the word I become closer into reaching the financial commitment. No matter what happens, I am confident that I will achieve my goal. Once more, I am gratefully appreciated for your time, and hopefully, your kind contribution into aiding me with this demanding, yet reachable, goal!
Warm Regards,
Rogelio Quispe
