Keshia's Studying Abroad in Spain

My name is Rakeshia Wines and I am a college freshman currently attending Stephen F. Austin State University. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas to a loving mother and father. My dad was incarcerated when I was six years old, leaving my mother a single parent to take care of me and my siblings. As a child I told myself that when I got older I would do everything in my power to make my parents proud. No one in my immediate family has went off to college and I wanted to be the first so that I could set an example for my younger brother.

Deciding to come to college was not just to make my family proud but to ensure that I have a promising future. I am majoring in Mass Communications with a concentration in Radio/TV. I am preparing to study abroad in Spain during the summer. I want to study abroad because it is the best opportunity to learn a foreign language and a great experience I don't want to pass up. Being fluent in more than one language is the key to success in today’s working world. 

The money will be used for living with  a host family, going on different tours to learn more about Spain's history and taking classes at one of Madrid's most prestigious campuses. During the trip we will visit Toledo, Segovia, Madrid, Cordoba, Granada, Barcelona and Sevilla. I would love to grasp this experience of traveling to another country because I have never been outside of the United States.

I am very thankful to all of those who plan to support my decision to go abroad because it means so much to me. All supporters who donate $50 or more have the opportunity to comment below choosing an activity from the list or by emailing their idea to [email redacted] and I will fufill those requests.


1.   Take a selfie with Madrid’s Cibeles Fountain
2.   Mimic the “El Oso y El Madrano” statue
3. Strike a pose in front of a mural
4. Snap a photo of your meal at “Botin”, the oldest restaurant in the world
5. Take a photo outside of the Prado Museum
6. Selfie eating Spain's famous ham leg
7. Record a video as a dancing flamenco
8. Pose as the equestrian statue of Felipe III in Plaza Mayor
9. Pick a creation from Gaudi's architecture and I will take a photo. 
10. Capture a moment inside of the "La Sagrada Familia" Cathedral
11. Take a picture while inside of the Cordaba's well known "Alhambra" (famous castle)
12. Seize the moment and let "El Escorial" be your backdrop while in Segovia
13. Do a cartwheel in front of the Roman Aqueduct