My Story:
Growing up in the
Midwest for all 22 years of my life has limited the amount of diversity I’ve
been able to experience. Since I was a little girl I have longed to understand
others different than myself and serve those who are oppressed and discriminated against. I have
simultaneously felt that same longing and passion for traveling to experience
and understand diversity among cultures and the world around me. When I learned
that I could work in a profession whose main focus is what I have longed to do
since I was a little girl, I knew that I had to be a part of it. I am now in my
senior year of college at Missouri State University where I am working towards
finishing my bachelors in Social Work. To graduate from my program in May 2014,
I must complete a 450-hour practicum. In the beginning of this semester I
searched out international practicum opportunities in which I was officially
offered a position with the Children and Youth Divisions of Social Services in
Hudiksvall, Sweden. I will be living there for four months, from the beginning
of January until the end of April.
My
role as a practicum student will be to facilitate and assist with assessments,
case management, research, and groups, along with various other
responsibilities that include working with and advocating on behalf of refugee
children and youth. My personal goals for my practicum and this opportunity in
general include:
-
First and
foremost, in everything I do, show unconditional love and support to those I
come in contact with through my actions, speech, and life.
- Immerse
myself in the culture in order to gain a stronger sense of cultural competence
and sensitivity to human diversity.
- Apply social
work theories, values, and ethics in practice.
- Step out of
my comfort zone to gain more self-awareness through a totally new experience.
-
Travel,
learn, meet new people, serve others, and enjoy this journey!
I
believe this opportunity has been divinely presented to me for a reason and I
cannot wait to see what all is in store from here on out. While in Sweden, I
will be involved in community building, strengthening families, and outreach
efforts to serve refugee children and youth. By contributing to my campaign,
you will not only help me achieve a personal dream, but you will be apart of
the bigger picture:
- Bringing comfort and voice to children who are oppressed and in need.
- Contributing to the understanding and collaboration of multiple cultures and
nations.
-
Information and education allowing humanity to be one step closer to harmony
among diversity.
How You Can Help and What You'll Get in Return:
The total cost of my entire trip is approximately $6,000. A breakdown of the expected cost is as follows:
Airfare: $1,300
Housing: $2,000
Food: $1,000
Misc (travel within Sweden, Visa expenses, etc.): $1,500
I am only asking
for $2,000 to confirm my housing arrangements while living in Sweden for four
months. This will give me a good financial head start for my new journey.
Anything raised over that amount will contribute to the remaining expenses of
this experience. Your generous donations will be very appreciated and in turn
you can receive some neat perks!
$5: Thank you,
thank you! Your support means so much. Every dollar will go towards getting me
to Sweden and efforts to serve others while there.
$15: Email
Updates. You will get bi-monthly email updates about what is going on with me
and the work I’m doing in Sweden.
$25: Shout out
from Sweden. I will give you a personal thank you shout out on the blog I will be
keeping while in Sweden, along with all preceding perks.
$50: Picture from
Sweden. You will get a picture of me in Sweden, holding a sign with your name
tagged on Facebook, along with all preceding perks.
$100: From Sweden With Love. You will get a post card from Sweden, personally addressed from me,
along with all preceding perks.
$500: Skype from
Sweden. You will have the opportunity to personally skype with me about my experience and the
work I have been doing while in Sweden, along with all preceding perks.
$1,000:
Documentation of my Experience. You will get a video presentation of my experience
while in Sweden sent you to, as well as a picture of me at my graduation, along
with all preceding perks.
Other Ways You Can Help:
I understand that not everyone can contribute financially and that's okay! Other ways you can be involved and help is by spreading the word. Tell a friend or share my story to facebook, twitter, etc. by using the Indiegogo share tools. Anything will help :)