Semester at sea Study abroad

Imagine packing up two giant bags, boarding a large ship coined a floating university, sailing around the world for 108 days, and visiting 12 countries all while earning academic credit. Some dream right? Well, this can happen and I am inspired to do it with your help.

On January 5, 2019 I will embark on the journey of a lifetime by boarding Semester at Sea’s MV World Odyssey: a university, a home, a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. Semester at Sea is a comparative study abroad program founded in 1963. Their current academic partner is Colorado State University, and they provide the academic credit for students. They have over 60,000 alumni who have participated in the comparative experience and “98% of SAS alums report it's their most significant semester of college.”

As a Marine Operations major, this opportunity will help with my career by embracing and experiencing a new culture first-handtraveling outside my home country will be education in itself, learning to interact with and navigate through a culture different from my own.

Putting communication skills aside, studying abroad enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills that employers desire. Especially since I will be applying for an entry-level position after graduation.

Despite financial hardship, I being the son of a single mother, excelled academically. I maintained an A/B average and worked part-time to help my mother put food on the table. My qualities have forwarded me the opportunity to create change in a world that is unjust. As a high school student, I traveled to Mississippi to create a transformation for the homeless. I cooperated effectively with an organization of men and women working to help prevent an end homelessness. It is a continuous work in progress with great strides as the organization provided their time and expertise, along with other agencies and organizations, at the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, to ensure that the essential elements of the plan “Home, Together: The Federal Strategic plan to Prevent and End Homelessness” reflected a diversity of perspectives.

I have finally realized my purpose in life and that is to impact others and to be part of a community and give back. I hope my story will inspire youth to persevere in the mist of hardship and show that dreams can become a reality. My voice will leave a mark of resilience. With your financial assistance I will make great strides towards pursuing my goal of obtaining a degree in Marine Operations. The quality of excellence Semester At Sea offers their students will be a journey providing me with monumental experiences and engaging me in the global community. I will travel to parts of the world to represent my appetite for knowledge, share my purpose, and most importantly tell my story.

I aspire to utilize time at each designated port country to contribute to the positive forces for change. My goal is to deeply engage with people and dedicate my service and leadership skills as I immerse myself in cultures across the globe. I aim to be a participant of the social change so to provide the essentials lacking in the life of another as an act of justice.

With your financial assistance I will have the opportunity to participate in the 2019 Semester at Sea voyage. I ask that you investment in my future and help me experience a truly priceless education. I am committed to making this happen. Throughout my voyage I will visit ports in Africa, Asia and India and many more places.

Thank you for allowing me to take up a few minutes of your time by reading this letter and thank you for helping me set sail with your donation! And remember “Your life has a purpose. Your story is important. Your dreams count. Your voice matters. You were born to make an impact.” Kind Regards,

Julian Benitez