Hi! I'm Kathleen!
I am working towards my Bachelor's degree in Social Work. The first step in a life motivated by my passion for peoples' stories and struggles, as well as a desire to empower and advocate for those individuals. This in conjunction with my fascination for other cultures and the international application of Social Work are what bring me here.
UMBC and UMB are partnering to send a group of undergraduate and graduate Social Work students to India for 16 days in January 2013 as part of an independent study. Students will participate in an international conference organized by Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kerala, India, visit field agencies of interest, and have the opportunity to interact with Rajagiri MSW students and faculty.
While I realize the idea of turning to the community at large to ask for contributions towards a personal excursion is sort of ridiculous, the fact remains that I cannot make this trip happen on my own. That all being said, I feel this trip would be an invaluable experience toward my academic and professional career. Having participated in some international service already, I am now driven to expand upon those horizons and see what else is out there in terms of need and aide. It would give me an opportunity to witness and participate in how my field is being applied in an area of the world wracked by poverty, trafficking, sex trade, and a variety of other issues of personal interest. I also intend to do my part to share my experiences and inevitable lessons upon my return.
My campaign is set under fixed funding. Meaning if I don't meet the goal/can't go on the trip within the 60 day deadline, everyone who contributed walks away without having had to pay a dime/with any funds returned.
Every little bit helps and I cannot begin to express how much this experience would mean to me.