Zach’s Study Abroad Fundraiser

My name is Zachary Platt, and my dream is not to earn a lot of money, and it's not to be able to say that I have traveled the globe, but rather to change the world. 

I want to be able to look back on my life when I am an old man and say that I made the world a little better before I left it.  I am an International Studies Major at Monmouth College, a major which focuses on looking at bringing the world together, and I personally believe that this is my purpose in life. The reason that I have started this fundraiser is because that this coming spring semester I will be studying abroad in both Florence Italy, and London England.  This program looks at the arts and the history of these two cities and will allow me to study the culture in a non-classroom setting.  

In Florence I will be taking an intensive Italian language class and I will be staying with a host family so that I will be more immersed in the language and culture.   I will also be learning of the different art periods and look at how these different eras have effected and built the culture that is thriving in Florence today.  

In London I will be studying famous theater, architecture, and literature that have not only affected London's great culture but also have had an impact on our culture as well.  In London I will be living with 3 other students in a flat and will have to pay for all of my own meals which brings me to the reason of my fundraiser. This summer I have been working a full time job at a local Dairy Queen, and when I could a second job with a local amusement/carnival comany. While I have been diligently saving the money that I have earned from these jobs, I am still a little short on funds.  Most of my financial aid will be transferring over for my studies, I still need to make sure that I have enough money for plane tickets, and food and other transportation during my stay in London.  I need as much help as possible in raising money so that I can relieve some of the stress that this puts on my family.  I want to be able to go to Italy and not have my family worry about me or any debt that could be acquired because of this trip. I will also be looking for work during school and while I am confident I will get a job, I will be very busy due to being involved in Greek life, the college choir, the college theatre program, a male accapella group, religious life, and local philanthropies.

I am asking for any type of donation, even if it's a dollar it can help me be able to go on this trip. The site is secure and they take PayPal!  

Going to Italy is not only a personal dream, but it takes me a step closer to my goal of making the world a better place.

If your business or organization is willing to sponsor me in the amount of $50 or more, I would commit to doing a presentation for your group about my experiences.

Thank you for your time and contribution, Zachary Platt