Let’s Get Going!

Next August, I’ll be embarking on the journey of a lifetime- 108 days, 16 countries, and 4 continents (Click here to see a schedule of my trip!). I’ve been given this opportunity through a program called Semester at Sea, which selects 700 students from all over the country to set sail on the MV Explorer.

Essentially I’ll be spending a few days in each of the countries on my itinerary-which includes Russia, Poland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, France, Belgium, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Brazil, Barbados, and Cuba! In each country, I’ll have the opportunity to go on a pre-planned excursion, which range from service visits (such as Habitat for Humanity) to alligator spotting on the Amazon River!  I’ll also have the option to roam about the city/country (provided that I’m back to the ship by departure time).  In between, while I’m on the ship, I’ll be taking classes such as PLCP3000-Political Tyranny, Violence, & Genocide, where I’ll study collective violence in countries along my voyage (under the fascist regimes in Spain and Portugal, during apartheid in South Africa, and under the dictators in Argentina and Brazil, as well as the most extreme form of violence, the genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.) and SEMS3500-Entrepreneurship and Global Development: Exploring Microfinance and Social Businesses around the World. Almost all of the classes on board have a global comparative focus, which is perfect for my international business minor!

There’s a 99% chance that you’re currently wondering “who’s paying for this?!” and/or calling my mom and reminding her that boats do, in fact, sink.

When it comes to cash, let’s just throw the basics out there now. The program is not cheap and my bank account is currently missing about 4 zeros. Thankfully, I’ll have help from working multiple jobs and receiving scholarships & financial aid. However, even after those sources are factored in, there are still so many things that won’t be covered. Instead of simply asking for your money, I’d like to earn it. Take a moment to look around this blog! Learn about me as a person. Let my leadership qualities, my dedication to community service, or my future goals help you decide if I have earned your generosity. Take a look, give me a call, shoot me an email-anything you’d like to do to be absolutely certain that I am worthy of your generosity.

Now I’d like to quickly put to rest any safety concerns you may have. As for the boat, it has been described by Maritime Telecommunications Network “as one of the safest ships afloat” U.S. and international health and safety ratings in the 99th percentile One of the fastest passenger ships of its kind in the world. When it comes to my safety on land, several of my excursions will be planned by Semester at Sea and when I choose to travel independently, I will never be alone and will always remember my Grandmother’s golden advice (“Never set your drink down, don’t take dope from strangers, and bath salts are bad.”). You’ll have to trust that I’m mature enough to realize that safety should always be a top priority.

Though internet access will be limited, I plan to keep this blog updated as often as possible while I’m traveling. Until then, the main purpose of this blog is to help me afford this amazing opportunity!