Hola! Since arriving at the University of Memphis, I've decided to trade in my campus involvement for a brand, new adventure in the Fall of 2017! A few weeks ago, I discovered I'd been accepted to The University of Memphis' study abroad program through ISA (International Studies Abroad) and I received a $2,500 scholarship

I want to know how it feels to be a foreigner. It can be grueling moving to a country where the language and customs differ from my own and trying to assimilate into that society. This perspective is crucial especially in America’s current political climate where immigrants and refugees are often seen as a problem. I want to put myself in a similar situation where it’s possible I could be subject to the stereotypes some Koreans hold towards Americans like how many Americans hold prejudice towards immigrants. However, I’m willing to use this obstacle as a chance to educate people on aspects of my culture they may not have known while learning parts about their culture. Because of my experience studying in South Korea, I’ll learn to be confident in my ability to cross cultural barriers, a skill that will carry on into my student life at The University of Memphis, a member of our global community, and my career as a nurse. Sickness and pain have no culture so as a pediatric nurse I will interact with countless patients whose languages and ways of life may differ greatly from my own. Due to my time at Korea University, I will be able to create more meaningful relationships with my patients because I took an extra step to learn more about a culture different than the one I grew up in. This will allow me to provide valuable care in an uncomfortable situation and most importantly, I’m letting the patient know that they are not alone.

The total cost of the program is $11,650, which doesn't include airfare, meals, transportation through the city, books, or other living expenses. The financial aid I receive from the University of Memphis will cover about $8,462 of the program cost, which leaves $3,188 left over of the program costs. I will still need funds to pay the other expenses mentioned before which is why I'm asking for your help! So that's $3,188 for the remaining program cost, $2000 for be used for my round-trip airfare, about $600 for meals, $500 for transportation through the city and for program sanctioned excursions, $600 for spending money, and $300 in emergency funds. Worse case scenario, that's a total of about $7000 that I need to raise, but GoEnnounce only allows a max of $5000 goals so that's why my goal is at $5000. However, as more scholarships come in the overall amount I need to raise will go down. I will babysitting over the summer and I'm also trying to find a part-time job to help pay for the study abroad program! Every cent I make will be going towards paying for the fall semester, but it's likely it won't be enough to fund my entire trip.

It's not all bad news though! I've applied for the Gilman Scholarship, which is need-based, and the Freeman-Asia Scholarship to help fund my education in the fall, but those decisions don't come out until June. I'm also applying for the Global KU Scholarship, which is Korea University's study abroad scholarship but those decisions won't come out until about mid- to late-August. So the overall goal may decrease as time goes on. Until then I'm going to optimistic but still prepare for whatever may happen! I know $7000 is a lot of money, especially for a college student, but I've seen God work in amazing ways before. During my mission trip to Chicago, you all helped me raise OVER $3,500 to fund my trip to the point where I didn't have to pay out-of-pocket for ANYTHING. Whatever amount you feel like you would want to give would help tremendously, whether it be $50, $100, $200, or even $300. GoEnnounce makes it really easy to share on Facebook, email, twitter or any where else so please, please, PLEASE share this on your own pages as well!

If you haven't seen my Student Page yet, go check it out now! The biggest reason why I chose GoEnnounce over GoFundMe (#shade) is that I can use my Student Page to keep my Followers (and donors) updated with all of my school related updates. By donating here through GoEnnounce, you will become one of my Followers. That means while I am abroad I will be able to post photos during my travels and yes, even my grades of my school work! This way you will be able to see how your donations have really helped and how much I am enjoying this once in a lifetime experience. Some of you know it has been my personal goal to have a 4.0 GPA. This semester I got really close with a 3.2 GPA, but I'm still keeping the challenge going! I will also be sending each of my donors a postcard from various cities I will be visiting as a momento and token of my extreme appreciation :)