Semester Abroad

A little about myself...

My name is Warren Balabas and I am a student at the University of Texas at San Antoino. I major in Architecture and I have just a year and a half left until I receive my bachelor's degree.

The main reason for my fundraising...

I tend to beat around the bush so here is the point to my fundraiser: The UTSA Architecture program requires me to attend a semester abroad in order to graduate. The reasoning behind it is that studying abroad is rich in experiences for young, aspiring architects. In addition, it is a proper incentive for students to learn and adapt the influences that architecture gives to a given place, culture, and society; and vice versa. We were given two cities to choose from; Urbino, Italy and Barcelona, Spain. I chose to go to Urbino simply because I have always wanted to see birthplace of classical architecture and going there will give me the chance to study them. 

The cause of my financial dillemma...

I am currently taking classes full time and working at an art supply store. My academic goal limits me from putting more hours to earn the money I need for this trip, which makes the requirement of this trip a double-edged sword. I have to take the trip to graduate, yet I cannot graduate if I struggle with keeping my grades. I am trying to get this fundraiser going for a once and a lifetime academic opportunity, and it truly takes a lot out of me to make this statement because I feel like I should be able to take care of this on my own. However, there is too much that rides on it for me to be prideful. I am not asking for handouts, or I should say that I would much rather not word it that way. This trip is a rare academic opportunity, and I really do not want to miss out on the experience. The amount that I am raising will go towards the purchase of my plane fare to Italy and whatever is extra will go towards school supplies and living expenses. I appreaciate the time you've spent for reading this, thank you for your support!