Emily King: International Exchange Student
Donation protected
Hello all!
My name is Emily King, and I have recently been accepted to the National University of Galway in Ireland. I am looking forward to this experience as I will be pursuing my minor in Sociology, and I believe it will be such a great and cultivating opportunity. I am excited for this experience to explore the rich cultural history of Ireland, and I believe that my time spent both in class at one of the top-ranked schools in Ireland and exploring places like the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and the cobblestone streets of Dublin where I will visit the legend of Molly Malone and more, will be such a great and enriching opportunity.
For those of you who know me, you know I work extremely hard to support myself and sustain my goals. I normally would not consider asking for financial support, but unfortunately, my circumstances are different this semester. I have recently undergone a medical emergency for which I was hospitalized and out of school for two weeks, and as a result, I can only utilize my time and energy into catching up in my classes and focusing on my health (in addition to covering the medical bills). Given these recent unexpected and difficult medical circumstances, I have decided to reach out to ask for help in achieving the amazing opportunity of studying in Ireland through a GoFundMe project. The donations I'm asking for will help cover the fees associated with my university courses, airfare, living accommodations and other expenses of living in Ireland for five months. Roughly estimated, this once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience will cost $10k. I work multiple part-time jobs and attend school full time on scholarships, but any additional funds would be extremely helpful in allowing me to learn about Irish culture and understanding sociology from an international perspective.
From attending the Irish Heritage Center weekly when living in Chicago to Watching The Secret of Roan Inish and other delightful Irish movies at a young age and listening to classic Irish folk music, I have always been in love with the socio-cultural aspects of Ireland. This is why I chose to pursue my sociology minor at the National University of Galway this spring. The opportunity to explore behavioral sciences, an interest of mine since the beginning of my collegiate career, in such a diverse atmosphere will aid in solidifying my interest in pediatric psychiatry. I also knew I had the intentions of bettering myself as a servant leader by becoming more open-minded and developing an enhanced understanding of diversity across Irish and European cultures. Through meeting the natives of the country and educating myself on local current events, I plan on fulfilling experiences and encounters in each country I visit. I will immerse myself completely in the culture, art, and history of Ireland, where I will learn about new concepts, beliefs, and ideas throughout this cross-cultural experience--and what better place to do so, then the “Cultural Heart of Ireland”! I believe Ireland will be a conducive environment and opportunity to grow as a student and individual.
I would like to provide you more information about me so you have a better understanding of who I am and who you would be helping. I am currently a Pre-Med Biology/Sociology senior. I work multiple part-time jobs, such as a lifeguard and swim instructor in both Harris County and Columbus, CGE Global Ambassador, nanny, and house and dog sitter, but many of you may know me through my volunteer work. Last summer, I created a scholarship opportunity for disadvantaged youth to join the swim lessons that I teach. This program was created in honor of a young Harris County drowning victim. One of my proudest volunteering accolades would have to be the nonprofit, student-led organization that I have directed and managed since my junior year of high school called Harris County BackSnacks. BackSnacks provides food to over 75 students who reside in food insecure homes across Harris County. Countless hours have been dedicated to packing book bags, purchasing food, organizing distribution, meeting with churches and school boards, and managing finances. Additionally, through the Servant Leadership Program at Columbus State University, I have embarked on a journey to lead through service and utilize the servant leadership philosophy in all aspects of my life. Through this program, I have been introduced to many volunteering opportunities and now commit over a hundred hours per semester to agencies/schools such as: Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Gentian Elementary, Columbus Piedmont Hospital, and Valley Rescue Mission. I have always had the ethic that I must help others when given the opportunity, the trust that the rest of the community feels likewise and share the same ethics, and integrity to do my part to uphold this standard. My personal goal for traveling is to strengthen myself as a servant leader. I intend to continue my dedication to volunteerism while in Ireland, as I have already contacted several organizations and nonprofits within the city of Galway.
As I continue to grow as a student, professional, and individual, I truly believe this life-changing experience has come at the perfect moment in my life. As I begin preparations for medical school and working towards the end of my collegiate career, I have worked diligently to become the person I believe I am meant to be. If you feel inclined to help me along my journey, I appreciate you greatly. Even if you cannot help, I implore you to seek out opportunities, such as studying abroad, to experience as much as you can because life is too short! Thank you for any contribution you may provide.
My sincerest gratitude,
Emily King
My name is Emily King, and I have recently been accepted to the National University of Galway in Ireland. I am looking forward to this experience as I will be pursuing my minor in Sociology, and I believe it will be such a great and cultivating opportunity. I am excited for this experience to explore the rich cultural history of Ireland, and I believe that my time spent both in class at one of the top-ranked schools in Ireland and exploring places like the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and the cobblestone streets of Dublin where I will visit the legend of Molly Malone and more, will be such a great and enriching opportunity.
For those of you who know me, you know I work extremely hard to support myself and sustain my goals. I normally would not consider asking for financial support, but unfortunately, my circumstances are different this semester. I have recently undergone a medical emergency for which I was hospitalized and out of school for two weeks, and as a result, I can only utilize my time and energy into catching up in my classes and focusing on my health (in addition to covering the medical bills). Given these recent unexpected and difficult medical circumstances, I have decided to reach out to ask for help in achieving the amazing opportunity of studying in Ireland through a GoFundMe project. The donations I'm asking for will help cover the fees associated with my university courses, airfare, living accommodations and other expenses of living in Ireland for five months. Roughly estimated, this once-in-a-lifetime study abroad experience will cost $10k. I work multiple part-time jobs and attend school full time on scholarships, but any additional funds would be extremely helpful in allowing me to learn about Irish culture and understanding sociology from an international perspective.
From attending the Irish Heritage Center weekly when living in Chicago to Watching The Secret of Roan Inish and other delightful Irish movies at a young age and listening to classic Irish folk music, I have always been in love with the socio-cultural aspects of Ireland. This is why I chose to pursue my sociology minor at the National University of Galway this spring. The opportunity to explore behavioral sciences, an interest of mine since the beginning of my collegiate career, in such a diverse atmosphere will aid in solidifying my interest in pediatric psychiatry. I also knew I had the intentions of bettering myself as a servant leader by becoming more open-minded and developing an enhanced understanding of diversity across Irish and European cultures. Through meeting the natives of the country and educating myself on local current events, I plan on fulfilling experiences and encounters in each country I visit. I will immerse myself completely in the culture, art, and history of Ireland, where I will learn about new concepts, beliefs, and ideas throughout this cross-cultural experience--and what better place to do so, then the “Cultural Heart of Ireland”! I believe Ireland will be a conducive environment and opportunity to grow as a student and individual.
I would like to provide you more information about me so you have a better understanding of who I am and who you would be helping. I am currently a Pre-Med Biology/Sociology senior. I work multiple part-time jobs, such as a lifeguard and swim instructor in both Harris County and Columbus, CGE Global Ambassador, nanny, and house and dog sitter, but many of you may know me through my volunteer work. Last summer, I created a scholarship opportunity for disadvantaged youth to join the swim lessons that I teach. This program was created in honor of a young Harris County drowning victim. One of my proudest volunteering accolades would have to be the nonprofit, student-led organization that I have directed and managed since my junior year of high school called Harris County BackSnacks. BackSnacks provides food to over 75 students who reside in food insecure homes across Harris County. Countless hours have been dedicated to packing book bags, purchasing food, organizing distribution, meeting with churches and school boards, and managing finances. Additionally, through the Servant Leadership Program at Columbus State University, I have embarked on a journey to lead through service and utilize the servant leadership philosophy in all aspects of my life. Through this program, I have been introduced to many volunteering opportunities and now commit over a hundred hours per semester to agencies/schools such as: Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House, Gentian Elementary, Columbus Piedmont Hospital, and Valley Rescue Mission. I have always had the ethic that I must help others when given the opportunity, the trust that the rest of the community feels likewise and share the same ethics, and integrity to do my part to uphold this standard. My personal goal for traveling is to strengthen myself as a servant leader. I intend to continue my dedication to volunteerism while in Ireland, as I have already contacted several organizations and nonprofits within the city of Galway.
As I continue to grow as a student, professional, and individual, I truly believe this life-changing experience has come at the perfect moment in my life. As I begin preparations for medical school and working towards the end of my collegiate career, I have worked diligently to become the person I believe I am meant to be. If you feel inclined to help me along my journey, I appreciate you greatly. Even if you cannot help, I implore you to seek out opportunities, such as studying abroad, to experience as much as you can because life is too short! Thank you for any contribution you may provide.
My sincerest gratitude,
Emily King
Organizer
Emily King
Organizer
Ellerslie, GA