Konnichiwa, Mina-San!

     I'm a sophomore in high school, living in the small town of Enid, Oklahoma. For the past six years, it's been my dream to someday travel to Japan and experience their culture. Ever since I was ten years old I've been learning everything I could about Japan and its people: history, holidays, language, mannerisms, customs, and other cultural aspects. Japan is a vastly different world, and it draws me in like a moth to a flame! I just can't get enough of it. 
     Now, I've finally taken the initiative to become a foreign exchange student; however, the tuition is very expensive. I'm using a program called AFS-USA (formerly known as the American Field Service), and the tuition for a year high school program in Japan is $13,200. This is a large sum of money that I can't simply afford. I have applied for scholarships, but even this does not guarantee my trip to Japan. 
     Thus, I have created this blog to help raise money towards my tuition. To make a donation, please click the "ChipIn" button, which is a secure, non tax-deductible donation. I have been auctioning my artwork on Facebook in a public group called Japan Trip Fundraiser. So far, I have raised about $500. When fall rolls around, I plan to paint and sell pumpkins. For the chilly months, I am crocheting scarves. I have a long ways to go, but nothing will deter me. It is my dream to join these two worlds together and help others better understand what Japan is all about! There is so much to learn from this country, and I hope to create a bond that will last a lifetime and beyond. Thank you for your support! 

 To sponsor my AFS program now, please click the ChipIn button.