There's a lot to think about.

Hi :)

Since I was accepted into AFS-Italy it is now time for me to pay my full tuition. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and considering different forms of fundraising. I came to the conclusion that it would be beneficial for me to contact small business and organizations in my area who I have built relationships with. Recently I worked on a fundraiser to raise money for my school, and I learned a really valuable lesson: The small donations add up quickly. I always told myself that they would, but after working with the fundraiser I have first hand evidence of this.

Tuition isn't the only thing that I've been thinking about since being accepted. I'm getting more excited everyday as I learn more about Italy, AFS, and my upcoming adventure. I attended an AFS function last week and was fortunate enough to meet a boy from Italy who is studying here in Maine through AFS. After talking to him, I have a better understanding of the differences in similarities between life in Italy and here in the United States. My life is going to change a lot, but I couldn't be happier.

When I tell people that I plan to study in Italy next year, I am often asked what part of Italy will you be in? This is great question, but at this point AFS-Italy is in the process of looking for a family for me which means I have no idea where I will be. People then often ask me where I'd like to be. That question is not easily answered. Any where that I am able to go would work for me. All parts of Italy are equally beautiful and have their own specialties and ways of life. All that I hope is that the place where I end up will be willing to share itself with me. As long as I get to experience new things, which I'm sure I will, I'll be happy.


That's all for now. I encourage you to read my past blog entries, especially my first one, which provides an introduction to me and my blog's purpose. You can navigate through past entries by clicking to your right on the archives.

I hope you have a wonderful day, and thanks for checking out my blog!
~Annie

Thank You.

Hi Everybody.

So today I was sitting down to write a thank you letter to the AFS Global Leaders Scholarship Program and I was thinking that they are definitely not the only people who I should be extending my most sincere thanks to. Since I decided that I want to study abroad all the people around me have been nothing but supportive. My application process wasn't the smoothest sailing journey I've ever been on, and I don't believe that I would've gotten through it without some key people. I'd like to start by thanking my mom and my dad who completed and signed numerous forms and continue to listen to me as I voice my concerns and excitements about my upcoming trip. Someone else who has gone far past the line of duty to help me is Stacy Coleman. As my AFS Advisor she answered all my questions about my application, and believe me, I had quite a few! She is the person who called me when I got my scholarship, was accepted by AFS-USA, and then by AFS-Italy. She done so much to make the process of applying to AFS easier for me and my family. Roni Strout has also played a role in my AFS experience thus far. She conducted my in-home interview for the program and answered many questions of mine about what studying abroad is really like. AFS and their knowledgeable staff and volunteers have made my experience great already, and I haven't even departed yet! I just wanted to say thank you to them. I also must remember to thank my friends and other supporters. If I've had more than one conversation with you in my life I'm sure that you've heard me talk incessantly about Italy. Thank you to everyone for your continued patience and support as I take steps to make my dreams come true.

As always, any monetary support is appreciated and a contribution of any size will impact me and my trip!

I hope you all have a wonderful day,
~Annie