Maddie Bowen's Volunteer Trip

Hello my fellow humans! :-) 
My name is Maddie Bowen and I'm from New Jersey. I'm a sophomore at UNCW studying Business Entrepreneurship and Environmental Studies. Here at UNCW, I'm actively involved with UNCW Plastic Ocean Project and Surfrider Club: two student organizations that work to inspire and educate for cleaner coastlines and a healthier planet. 
I've always been a service-oriented person, and my love for protecting the planet goes beyond words. As a young girl, I worked to implement a recycling program at my elementary school, and as I grew up I volunteered through a variety of different programs including Hurricane Sandy Relief, Relay For Life, Special Olympics, and more. 
Now, as a young adult, I primarily volunteer my time to beach sweeps on the North Carolina and New Jersey coasts and educating locals about plastic pollution and other threats to our oceans. Additionally, I was part of a group of driven students who helped establish a Hope Spot off of Cape Hatteras through Mission Blue. 
I'm always looking to help others along with helping the planet. So when I heard about GIVE (Growth International Volunteer Excursions), I was hooked. I'm beyond ready to take my love for volunteering abroad. 
Through GIVE, I intend to volunteer abroad for two weeks in Nicaragua in the Summer of 2017. On this trip I will help local children with reading, writing, and speaking English and build homes for single mothers and families displaced by sea level rise in Jiquilillo on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Then on Little Corn Island, I will help implement breakwater systems to preserve the coastline and in turn protect homes, businesses, and the only fresh water source on the island. As a volunteer, I will also get locals engaged in a recycling program on the island. 
The thing about being a college student is: I'm extremely motivated, I have two capable hands, two strong legs, and a full heart, but not enough money to make this trip possible on my own. Any donation is more appreciated than you can imagine as it will allow me to head to an undeveloped country to volunteer my time and energy to protect the environment of these beautiful islands and communites, and guide children in their English which will open their horizons to better jobs in the future. The money I raise through this campaign will go towards my transportation to and from the islands as well as transportation on the islands, food and clean drinking water, security, and volunteer materials and projects. I can gurantee you that your donation will go a long way as this trip will inspire and make a difference that will last years to come. Each donation will be positively impacting communities of Nicaragua that are in need. 
On the chance that something comes up and I cannot make the trip, everyone's donations will be refunded. 
If you do decide to make a donation to this trip, know that you are changing my life as well as the lives of those less fortunate. 
More information can be found at this link: GIVE - Nicaragua Excursion Initiatives