Dear Family and Friends,
For the first semester of my senior year I am planning to study abroad in Costa Rica. Back in February I was invited to attend a CMS study abroad fair. At the fair there were a couple of students who spoke of their experiences abroad, one of which traveled with AFS. After the speakers, we were allotted time to talk to different people at booths, and I headed straight for the AFS booth. I grabbed every single flyer they had, and rushed home to tell my mom EVERYTHING! Immediately we got online and began the process.
I'm currently a junior at Mallard Creek High School. I'm involved in a variety of clubs and hold offices in DECA and on the Junior Class Council. Although, I don't play any sports my career aspiration is to become a Sportscaster. My senior project is "Women in Sports Media." Through my research I've found that women are placed on the sidelines when it comes to sports commentating and I feel we should be in front of the camera with the guys. My male friends hang out with me during sporting events because I know everything that is happening on the field.
Through my experience in Costa Rica, I hope to gain a much more crucial understanding of cultures very different from yours or mine and do everything I can to propogate intercultural understanding during and following my experience. I'm taking AP Spanish V now and really don't speak the language, so I also hope to strengthen my speaking of spanish.
As is often the case with world travel, the cost is relatively high for a single family to manage ($8,750). There are a number of ways to acquire the required sum, and as of this date I've taken advantage of a few, earning an AFS Merit Scholarship ($3,000) and my tutoring business which, with the help of my mom, will cover the necessary down payment ($900). Which brings me to a goal of $4,850, a sum for which any and all donations will be a great and appreciated help.
As little as $35 a day could help to cover my daily expenses. I strongly believe that this experience will give me a greater perspective that can be carried back to my community and beyond.
Thank you so much for all of your support!
To help sponsor my AFS program, click the ChipIn button above.
Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Alexis Craghead
