For the Spring 2014 semester, I am studying abroad in Costa Rica. In the city of San Jose, I am studying art at University Veritas (La Universidad de Veritas) with the program International Studies Abroad (ISA). As it is my second semester abroad in Costa Rica, I hope to gain proficiency in the Spanish language both in writing and speaking. Here I plan to be immersed deeper into the culture of the Costa Rican peoples as I do a homestay with a local Tico family. And as a Studio Art major back home at Georgia College and State University, I hope to gain more knowledge about photography as I take classes at one of the top design university in Central America (Veritas University). As I study at Veritas University now, my classes include electives Intro to Intercultural Communications, Selected Topics in Afro-Caribbean Studies, Digital Photography, and Ecological Photography. Along with course work for Georgia College and State University, I will be participating in multiple excursions with International Studies Abroad (ISA). These excursions with will be taken Americans students from almost every region of the United States at locations where Costa Rica displays its diverse natural beauty. We will travel to various sites and attractions such as the Arenal Volcano, Playa Tamarindo, the Manuel Antonio National Park, and the cloud forests of Monteverde. Studying with International Studies Abroad (ISA) at Veritas University shall provide me with an array of opportunities to get involved with local Costa Rican communities. Last Fall 2013 semester I volunteered with other ISA students at a local children’s orphanage, and worked on a mural in La Sabana by La Munga with my Mural Painting class. This year I look forward to being a Brand Ambassador for GoEnnounce.com and being a blogger for the International Studies Abroad Featured Blogger Program. Both of these opportunities will propel me towards determining in what aspect I would like to incorporate aspects of Mass Communication skills into my future career. These experiences will also provide me with outlets to help others experience Costa Rica and prepare future students who have the desire to study abroad. My personal goal is to have a career that will cater and provide to the needs of marginalized peoples-- whether that be as an Art therapist, artist, teacher or a counselor for nonprofit. My request is for your prayers, small monetary donations, and any advice that you would have on traveling in Central America and the Caribbean or living abroad. Here are some of the things that your generous donation will go towards: -books and notebooks -materials for creating art work: canvas, paint, pencil, glue, paint brushes, camera maintanance -souvenirs -paying for weekend excursions to Costa Rica’s beautiful tropical forests, volcanoes, and beaches Key Items for this semester: inconspicious camera bag, sunscreen and bugspray ($15-$30 per bottle) Bucket List: Tour Panama or Nicarauga ($50- $150 for transportation, food, ect.) Update about my Spring semester in Costa Rica: I was able to accomplish my bucket list, go on weekend trips to some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica, and purchase souvenirs and art supplies with your contributions to my fund. Arriving home to the States, I have had to prepare myself for culture shock, as well as prepare myself for Senior year at Georgia College and State University. I have extended this fund, "Studying Abroad in Costa Rica for Spring semester," due to financial difficulties that have awaited me when I got back. My plan for the summer semester is to take summer classes and work, in order to graduate on time. The problem has become how to finance my summer courses and living expenses.

As a way to kick off the winter season, the Georgia College Salsa Club is raising money for the 2014-15 year. A local 501c3 animal rescue in Milledgeville, GA, Have a Heart, Save a Life, would receive 90% of the funds which will go towards buying the rescue new supplies from various stores such as Kmart, Petco, 1800 PetMeds, Legacy of Clean Products, etc. 10% of the funds go towards the GC Salsa Club's yearly expenses (member dues, events, advertisements, performances, etc.). DONATE NOW and these fur babies can have all of the resources they need for the winter season!! With these funds: The puppies and kittens would have new bedding, collars, and leashes...the comfort of a clean environment...a crate to transport them to their forever home... and more! Thank you!

Hello everyone, it's been almost 2 months studying back at Georgia College for my Master’s in Teaching for Middle Grades Art. It's been quite an adjustment, getting used to life on Georgia College campus. With teaching, there are many financial burdens to think about (especially as I gear up for co-teaching in the classroom). Having witnessed some of my friends graduate from the Master’s program with a job in teaching, I know that my goal is very much attainable. I appreciate your support of my education, please look forward to more updates of my progress throughout the Fall. My goal for this Fall school semester of 2015, is to raise funds in order to buy supplies for both teaching and graduate school. When I applied to be an Art major (undergraduate) at Georgia College and State University, my vision was to pursue a career in the arts while helping people in need. Therefore over the past 4 years, I have done more research on how I could incorporate my desires for art and helping people into a career. After I complete my undergraduate studies and graduate from Georgia College and State University, I would like to pursue a career in teaching here in the States or abroad. I am happy with my decision to start the Master’s of Teaching program at Georgia College, however it requires me to plan, prepare and take action now. In preparation for teaching for graduate school this Fall, these are what I will need upfront (ASAP): $400 for the edTPA and GACE application fees (per university or college). $10 in order to apply to Professional Teaching Organizations () Teaching Supplies: Whiteboards, whiteboard markers, clipboards, file folders In preparation for teaching and taking courses at the University, I will need: Textbooks for the Fall (August to December): $200 to $500 Gas for weekly transportation (2-3 weeks/ month): $50