My Brazil Exchange

Hi, everyone, my name is Falisha Castruita. I’m from Greenville, Ca. and I’m currently a junior at Indian Valley Academy. I enjoy writing, photography and all things art. I live here with my mom and two younger sisters. My biggest dream is to become a surgeon. Another dream of mine is to do the student exchange program. I have wanted to do this since the second grade, when my teacher told me and my best friend about her daughter’s exchange. In mid-October, I started the process of interviews, applications, and letters. On January 21, 2016, I received a letter that told me I would be spending my year abroad in Brazil! Something that I never thought I would be able to accomplish is starting to become reality and I am beyond grateful. Now that I know where I’m going, the final process is starting. Part of this process is paying all the fees, which amount to almost 8 thousand dollars to be raised by June 21, 2016. Over the next 5 months, I will be doing some fundraising of my own. This will include various dinners, movie nights, car washes, and more. But, between school and completing the assignments for foreign exchange, I won’t be able to raise all the money on my own, so I’m asking for your help. The smallest amount will be helpful in making this dream come true. Any extra money donated will be donated to a Brazilian charity. Thank you for helping me achieve this longtime dream.
-Falisha R. Castruita