Quinze Jours

Good evening!

In French class, a couple of weeks ago, we learnt that the expression "quinze jours" (fifteen days) translates to two weeks from French to English.  Maybe it's a French thing, go figure.  Anyhow, there's not major news going on now.  However, if I'm going to try to keep reader interest, I should update.

Two weeks, yes.  I'm anxious.  If you've read my last posts, you'd know that I was notified my full application was sent to France on March 18, 2011.  I was told there'd be a 4-6 week wait before I found out any information.  Well, fast forward 4 weeks and now there's only two weeks left of wait.  That is, unless I get that info sooner, which in all cases would be superb.  Hence, the title of this post is an expression of "two weeks" in French.  The waiting is killing me.

My friend, Florence, (frequently mentioned) texted me yesterday that she has been officially accepted by AFS-Germany!  That being great news, I am truly happy for her as she now awaits even more information such as a host family. She also finally has that donation widget on her blog.  If you'd like to help either of us reach our goals, you may do so freely by donating directly to either of our separate tuitions through the PayPal widgets (no account required; Click here for more information about donating and the "ChipIn" widget!). :D Now, Florence's news also rendered me to ache for any new information regarding my application status.  I feel like somehow channeling a message telepathically to AFS-France requesting "Pick me!  Pick me!  Come on, I'm not that bad!"  Although I do yearn for acceptance, I also confide that AFS is doing its best to match me to a prospective host family.

Alas, keeping on the small amount of news to tell, there has been major visual news.  The blog has been completely redesigned.   Unless, you've really been keeping up-to-date with my posts, the blog sports a new look since my last post.  I've been working on it for the past week.  I shall continue to tweak it for improvement (such as the blog description being quite hard to read with the photo background).  Here are the changes I've done thus far to the blog:

1. The background has changed to something more French-inspired.  (Although, I probably will replace it with yet another image eventually.)
2. There are now two side-columns to make it more visually appealing and an overall simpler interface.
3. Colour has been added!  I find it more aesthetically pleasing, without it being distracting.
4. Fonts have been changed for customization.
5. "ShareThis" buttons have been added to make sharing a snap by using popular means, such as Facebook and Twitter.  However, fear not readers.  Should you not have either of these services, or if you simply prefer another, there are a myriad of means you can share my blog by simply clicking on the first green icon.  Some services include Email, Tumblr, AIM, MSN Messenger, etc. 
6. The "Sponsor Roll" was added to spotlight all of my generous sponsors who were able to donate anything they possibly could.  All thankfully appreciated, of course. (=
7. Google Translate!  Yes, you can now translate my blog into any language of your choosing, (availability subject to Google).  However, please note: the translations are not perfect at all.  I've tested it out myself by translation to Spanish, and it's certainly an awkward read.  My conclusion is that my style of writing in English implements idiomatic expressions and phrasing which don't translate well into other languages.  Be that as it may, foreigners are still able to get the main idea of my blog and posts, which is the most important. 
8. There is now an image behind my blog's title and description.  It was supplied to me by one of my French contacts as he spelt out my name in mushrooms. I really liked it and decided to use it here. 

With that,  those are all the major changes I've done to my blog.  Last bit of information, the job hunt continues.  I have yet to land anything which is disappointing, to say the least.  Hopefully, something pops up. I need it.

Well, by my next post, I plan to inform you on my ultimate application status on whether or not I have been given the final acceptance into AFS-France.  I remember, I ended one of my earliest posts awaiting an AFS brochure by regular mail.  I find it somehow funny that now I'm awaiting an email from AFS regarding my application status in France.

Until then, I shall be abusing that refresh button in aspiration that with one of them I'll receive that informative, long-awaited email

– Gello

I Come From There Where the Sun Shines, Where the People Speak to Each Other Without Knowing Each Other

Hey there!

The title to this blog post does not hold water.  Nevertheless (I say that word often, and I employ use of parenthetical clauses such as this.), it does have some reasoning (sorta).  They're the opening lyrics to a song by a French singer.  I know music can be an effective way to learn and absorb vocabulary, so I've taken the liberty to peruse the French charts.  They're run by the SNEP, or Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.  Although, I also follow the French iTunes music chart.  Going back to the point, I've noticed there aren't really that many French singers.  At least, if there are, then they're not that prominent?  I see mostly American music on any chart worldwide.  Yet, I did discover one artist. (I'll listen to about any kind of music/artist so it didn't really matter, so long that it was in French.) Her name is Shy'm and the lyrics come from her single "Femme de Couleur" in which she sings about her family traces to Martinique.  It's ironic how I come from a completely opposite place, New York City.

Segueing now to AFS business, it's time for an update. Woo!  The last time I updating (excluding the appeal) I left off where I handed in my full application.  Fast forward a few weeks to the present.  I have splendid news.  AFS-USA has accepted yours truly into their program! :D  Currently, my application is in France awaiting final say into whether or not I will be accepted into a host family there.  The email I received stated a 4-6 week wait.  I received that email on March 18th, so only 3 weeks have since passed.  This waiting game is, as always, killing me as I anticipate information.  Furthermore, I also was told through email about a local AFS meeting on Sunday, the 22nd of May, as a pre-departure orientation.  It shall be the first time I get to meet in-person other prospective AFSers (besides Florence, search the tag "Florence" for more information about her).  I'm quite excited.

Speaking of Florence, she told me of the unfortunate news of not receiving the full CBYX scholarship that would cover her tuition to study abroad in Germany.  While, deeply saddened and shocked upon hearing the news, I wish her the best of luck on continuing with her endeavor as I'm glad to say that she will not give up. =D  I fully support her and am aiding her with all that I can.  If you would like to read news about Florence directly from her, I'll include the link at the end of this post.  If you would also like to help contribute to either of us with our goals, you can donate securely and directly through our paypal widgets (no account required) to our separate tuitions.  Rest assured it goes directly to our separate tuitions and touches neither of our hands.  As of now, Florence does not have the widget on her blog.  However, I have given her instructions on how to obtain it, so she'll have it shortly. Florence currently sports the widget on her blog as well.  Help us both by giving any small amount!  It all counts!  Click here for more details on donating! (=

On a lighter note, I noticed something when I checked Blogger today.   I have two new followers!  While I'm not sure if they have read, will read, or do read my blog, it did brighten up my day.  Thanks, new followers, should you ever read this, haha.

My family just came home right now, so I took a mini-break in writing. Let's see, I paid a $1,500 installment yesterday.  I'm slowly, but steadily and surely getting there!  Actually, I just got from my family at this very moment an invoice from AFS saying that Full Payment is due by May 2nd.  What?  ....I still have another $3,000 to raise.  This isn't good news.  This really would be a huge downer if it were true, but it exemplifies my great need for help. ._. (as much as I wish I didn't have to ask for it).  I'm going to email the local AFS coordinator for some details or to see if I can work something out.

Unfortunately, the job hunt isn't going well.  To read more, I refer you to Florence's blog as she mentions it too.  However, I thought I had a prospective job as some kind of.....a person who works a kiosk at a mall.  Yet, that didn't go quite well as the person whom I've been with contact with hasn't been responsive. =/ (He was at first, I'm not sure what happened.)  Still gotta move forward and work at it!

Oh one last thing, I forgot to add this on my last appeal post it's related to the title.  I restarted to use my Twitter because I remembered I had one. Click here to follow me on Twitter!

- Gello

P.S:  Read Florence's Blog by clicking here!

Tweet Tweet: Self-Promotion and Appeal

Salutations!

***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