Dream Vacation

Hello! My name is Hannah, and I'm a sophomore at Wasatch High School. I'm a photographer, archer, soccer player, and National Honors Society student with a 3.8 GPA. I have lived in the same small country town my entire life--everybody knows everybody, and the people who live on my street I've been friends with since birth. The county fair that comes once every August is the biggest event of the year, and most of the residents who live here never leave.

I, however, refuse to be another statistic.

Ever since I can remember, I've had a worldly perspective. While my friends read Junie B. Jones, I read children's encyclopedias about different cultures. My father taught me key words in German when I was in 2nd grade. I clung to his college textbooks, staring at flags and monuments and the seven wonders of the world, hoping one day to see them standing before me instead of on a yellowed page. I've never had that opportunity--I've been from Hawaii to New York, but nowhere outside of the country--and I never thought I would.

Until now.

This year, my history teacher Mr. Croft planned a trip with EF Tours to explore Europe for 22 days. I would finally see the things I've always dreamed of, and break the mold of staying at home, going to college half an hour away from my high school, marrying a cowboy, and working at the local newspaper. I would go to London, Paris, the Swiss Alps, Rome, Florence, Venice, Munich, and Berlin, with additional adventures in between. I'll see the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, the Louvre, the Seine, the Eiffel Tower, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Pompeii, Vatican City--every place I've ever wanted to visit, nothing but history and beauty for three straight weeks. I'm hoping to determine where I want to go to college, where I want to live, get over my social anxiety, and become comfortable in my own skin during my time in Europe. This is one of the only times I'll ever be able to travel internationally, and I would give anything to be a part of this trip.

Though my parents know it would mean the world to me, we've never had much money. My father makes most of the income, with my mother picking up the loose ends for clothes and food. They understand, and their hearts are in the right place, but they just can't afford to help me. It hasn't been easy, but I know it'll be worth it. I work 4 days a week at an ice cream shop during the summer, and will work 2 a week at a ski resort come winter. No matter how much time I sacrifice, I will not be able to cover the cost with my minimum wage jobs.

Here's where you come in.

I could really use some help to pay for this once in a lifetime opportunity, as my efforts do not cover 100% of the cost. Any donations would be greatly appreciated, as all money donated will be used to pay directly for the tour. Rewards range from $1 donation to $300, so everyone may be able to contribute in some way or another.

Thank you so much for reading, this means the world to me.