I don't know how to explain the importance this has for me. When I was a kid I decided to learn the three most spoken languages in the world: Mandarin, English, and Spanish.  I've held onto that dream since then, and I'm 46 now. I speak fluent English (my first language), intermediate Spanish and elementary Mandarin.  

Inspired by my grandmother who chased her dreams late in the game (a Journalism degree at 72), I've just recently gone to college. This will be my first degree that I'm working on now. 

My major is World Languages with concentrations in Mandarin and Spanish. My dream, for decades now has been to study abroad. I really belive that in the countries that speak these languages, I'll acquire the ability to truly engage with communities here in the US. I want to be able to help people in the healthcare system, or the legal system, or just accessing community resources. Or just talk to them on the bus. 

My academic plan includes going to Chungdu, China and Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, Costa Rica this coming year. Unfortunately I have no savings, I'm working part time while in school, and I'm not eligible for scholarships or grants because of the low GPA I earned 20 years ago (a direct consequence of a mental health disability I had at the time). But I don't have that disability anymore and I want to learn. 

I know I can do good things in the world. Please, if you can, help me get there. My deadline is May 2026. Even a bit to buy lunch with while abroad would help me. 

Thank you deeply for any amount you choose to share with me. I promise to study hard.