Hello everyone! My name is Natalie Keller, I'm a 17 year old from Santa Monica, California. I am currently a junior at Santa Monica High School. I am a hardworking
student and very involved in my school and overall community. I am involved in
several clubs at my school which vary from fundraising for my graduating class
to working with my city’s chamber of commerce in school and city events. I truly enjoy learning, but so far in my life I've only ever learned in a classroom, however, I would like to change this.
My sister Gizel traveled through the American Field Service(AFS-a nonprofit organization which "works toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools, and communities through a global volunteer partnership." ) to Italy, when I was 7. Ever since then I have dreamed about doing the same once I was older. I have grown up waiting for the day that I could finally accomplish this dream. Well, that day has come! I recently applied to AFS for their Italy, Summer Homestay Program 2012.
I want to travel abroad to become more knowledgeable about different cultures around the world and have new experiences that I know I will cherish for a lifetime. I want to see the world from a different perspective and experience the typical lifestyle in another country. I chose Italy because I love the language, art, and food. I would really love to eventually become completely fluent in Italian and I think imersing myself entirely in the culture will be a great first step. Also, being that I really enjoy art I would love to see famous Italian architecture, paintings, and sculptures in person. In Italy I will travel Rome and Tuscany for about two weeks with my AFS group and then spend 3 weeks with a host family.
The trip is scheduled to begin in late June and I couldn't be more excited! I have so much to do in order to prepare for the trip, fundraising being a big part of that. Even with scholarships, travel abroad programs are expensive, and just like most of the world my family has been affected by the current state of the economy, making it harder for me to be able to afford this trip. I am working very hard to raise this money through fundraisers such as garage and bake sales. I've created this blog so that those of you who would like to help and find it easiest to donate online can! I really appreciate that you have taken time to read my blog and take interest in my hopes and dreams. Whatever you are able to give will be greatly appreciated; no donation is too small.
To contribute click on the "ChipIn!" gadget on the top right of this blog to help me accomplish my dream of traveling abroad by making a secure donation. I would also be very thankful if you could forward my blog to anyone who you think would be interested in sponsoring my AFS experience through the link below:
http://natgoestoitaly.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for taking interest in my future!
Natalie
