G.I.V.E, The Roots of Change - Nicaragua

   I'm a student at Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson, California. I will soon be embarking on the next stage of my life as I graduate this Spring with a degree in Psychology. My life so far has been self centered in many ways. Always striving for bigger and better things. Just trying to thrive even when life throws me curve balls. This last year has been exceptionally rough on me, but has also guided me to see that Life is so much more then receiving a paycheck, paying a bill, and then searching for free time to relax. I was blessed recently with an oppurtunity to be part of something bigger than myself and I am accepting it full heartedly. I dove right into this chance to be "The Roots of Change" and I am very excited to experience so many new things all at once. A new country, a new way of life, a new culture, new activities, new expereinces, teaching others, building a new life for the people of Nicaragua, and simply being part of this extraordinary program. I will not only be part of "The Roots of Change", but also hopefully sprout a root or two of Change in myself. Nicaragua here I come!

       I have already paid a $450 deposit to secure my spot on this trip and already purchased my Airline ticket for $580 to Nicaragua . I am now in process of receiving my passport and have just recently received my traveler’s insurance. I leave for Nicaragua on June 12th and return to the states on June 26th.

       The GIVE program focuses on sustainable community development in marginalized communities by assisting, educating, and empowering the local population.  The core goal is to provide communities with necessary infrastructure to foster sustainable growth.  I will be directly involved in building eco-friendly infrastructure out of recycled materials, teaching English and tutoring to children, protecting endangered sea turtles, and organizing extracurricular activities for children. GIVE continues to remain involved in these communities after volunteers like me have left Nicaragua. GIVE works within these communities year round to provide opportunities for sustainable development by funding teachers to work in the secondary school and funding doctors to provide medical care in these communities.   

       I would greatly appreciate a donation to help me serve others abroad this summer.  Your contribution will go directly to the remaining costs for me to volunteer.  Your donation will help pay for my accommodations, food, in-country travel, materials and costs associated with the volunteer projects. Thank you for your time and possible donation.  I deeply appreciate you helping me volunteer in Nicaragua this summer.