Send Dayla to the Galapagos!

Hi, my name is Dayla Dillon. I am a full-time student at UIC who is double majoring in Biology, concentrating on ecology, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. In my downtime, I enjoy spending time outdoors and finding new ways to turn recycled materials into sustainable works of art. Recently, my recycled magazine collages were featured in Mulberry Literary  (my first publication experience ever!)

 

For the past two years, I have been interning with the US Army Corp of Engineers to monitor fish populations in Illinois waterways. And now, through my university, I've been presented with the opportunity to travel abroad-- studying green sea turtles and sea lions first-hand on the Galapagos Islands!

 

 

Ever since learning about this proposed trip in my first year at UIC, I’ve dreamed of making it a reality. This study abroad program will help me gain the necessary experience to advance my career with research and conservation efforts worldwide. Due to my remote courses, I have missed out on many class-related fieldwork opportunities like this in the past. Last year, the alarming spread of Covid led to the delay and cancellation of this trip in particular.

 

Leaving the US on July15th, this will be a four-week-long trip, so, as you can imagine, this life changing experience comes with a hefty price tag! The program fees directly fund the conservation and protection of the wildlife we observe, allowing students like myself to work alongside seasoned biologists and ecologists. I aim to raise at least half of the cost of the trip, shown below: The anticipated out-of-pocket costs shown below were provided through my university.

 

Total Cost of Study Abroad: $8,176.00

Pell Grant Applied: -$1,300.00

Remaining Total Cost: $6,876.00

 

My starting goal for fundraising is $3,000

 

Any amount you can give helps me to reach the Galapagos this summer!

 

Perhaps you're not convinced and would like to have a physical reminder of the change you're helping to create? Reel in a piece of eco-conscious art that I've handmade to help fund this journey!

 

My Etsy shop, website, and Facebook Group are linked below, so you can stay connected and get updates!

 

BestFishesCo Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BestFishesCo

Send Dayla to the Galapagos Site: https://senddaylatothegala.wixsite.com/dayla-2-galapagos

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/736595477337642

Thank you, thank you, thank you!