Raise for Renee (to study abroad in Japan)

About Me

My name’s Renee. I’m a junior art major at LaGuardia High School. For years, I’ve wanted to travel to other countries and experience different cultures. Recently, I’ve been given that opportunity.

Scholarship / Raise Funds

I was accepted into the Japanese YFU (Youth For Understanding) exchange program and was awarded a partial scholarship, meaning that I’ll be able to study abroad in Japan this summer for six weeks at a reduced price. The scholarship is worth $9000, and I just have to come up with the remaining $3500. However, even with the scholarship, my family cannot afford what’s needed to get me to Japan because of our financial hardships. There are two deadlines: $1000 deposit by March 26th, and the remaining $2500 by April 13th. My mom is working everyday to bring home just enough to help the five of us - her, my grandparents, sister, and myself - to survive. Between the busy schedule, necessary living expenses, and providing for my sister and my future, we are quite honestly incapable of coming up with the finances to completely pay for the trip within the amount of time given.

Why This Trip is Important to Me

This experience is a once in a lifetime thing, for people like myself, which I intend to take full advantage of. Creating new friends and connections, surrounding myself with an entirely new culture, bettering my speaking abilities in Japanese, furthering my communication skills, and learning to be more independent. The things I’ll learn while studying abroad will stick with me as I head out into the real world, in - and after - college. They’ll help to shape me as an individual and help me gain a better understanding of what situations to expect beyond high school.

I really hate to ask for money, but my mom says this opportunity may never come again. We’re trying our best to put aside as much as we can, but I’m thankful for anything, really. It doesn’t even have to be money. Just a message or a “good luck”, or even just taking the time to read all of this. Thank you for everything.

I’ll also be accepting some commission requests. What’s earned will be put away as pocket money for the trip, such as for travel expenses, food, and other things that aren’t covered by the tuition, which will hopefully last me the full six weeks. I can do some drawings and a few paintings (see samples of my art work on this page) I can do graphic design stuff, such as designing t-shirts, posters, or business cards (I’d send you the design after, you’d have to print it). Mediums I have access to and can use include pencils, pens, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic paint, and (sometimes) digital media. Email me if interested. NOTE: I can’t take on too many projects at once, so if I can’t accept your commission request, I sincerely apologize! I just don’t have enough time or supplies on my hands.

Thank you for taking the time out to read this.

Renee