I’ve recently been accepted into a summer volunteer program in Costa Rica through Global Crossroad. This is a chance of a lifetime and MY FIRST TIME venturing out of the US and Canada. For one month this summer, I will be volunteering in a village near San Jose, Costa Rica mentoring and teaching English to children at an orphanage. Throughout my stay I will invest all of my time and effort to these abandoned children of this poverty-stricken country.
I want to see and experience as many things as I possibly can across the globe and make these sights and experiences into a career. I dream of being a travelling photojournalist, immersing myself in various cultures and exposing them to our world.
As we’re told every day, we live in a quickly globalizing world. But do we know what this means for our future? Do we know what the people are like whom we’re connecting with? What are their histories, their stories, and their values?
I dream of bridging this gap. But a dream is a dream. Many dream. I dream- a lot- and often. So, instead of leaving it as a dream, I’ve invested. Invested my thoughts, time and money.
THE THOUGHT: As a Photojournalism and Global Cultural Studies major, I have learned about various countries; I’ve learned about the beauties of countries and cultures and the woes of each’s present and past. With each country, each fact, each injustice– it becomes more and more difficult to contain myself. I yearn to travel to these countries to experience every story first hand.
THE TIME: I’ve invested my time in various classes learning about all of these countries and cultures; in jobs, fundraising for trips to these countries that I yearn to explore; and in sleep, because after that combination, I don’t get much.
THE MONEY: I’ve been doing profitable photography, fundraising and working upwards of 55-hour weeks during my summers (including the upcoming one before and after my trip) between Petra Restaurant, Best Buy and Waldameer in order to cumulate enough money to embark on these dreams of international adventures.
THE GOAL: However, I’m investing all that I can in the execution of this dream and now I NEED YOUR HELP. So, until June 27, it is my goal to fundraise, through family and friends, as much money towards my trip as possible. The Grand Total (including flight cost): will add up to $2,300.
So, PLEASE, if you are able to donate, no matter the amount, it will be greatly appreciated and put to wonderful use. I understand TIMES IS HARD, so I ask that you support me in any way you can, whether it be through this donation, spreading the word or through hiring me for senior photos/engagement photos/wedding photos/etc.
I created a “DONATE” button on the side of my page where you can donate any amount you would like directly online to my fund. If you’d rather send me a letter or talk to me more about my trip call me or e-mail me (lcdill@pointpark.edu).
Additionally, I will be creating a photo story and updating my blog while I am there to update all those who have invested in my meaningful journey.
Again, any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated and put to good use. Please help me out. THANK YOU!
