My Fundraising Story - Jakiah Russell

Hello everyone!

I am a ninth grade student who has been eagerly devoted to maintaining my academic education throughout my school years. Even though my family is living below the average socio-economic status, it does not deter my mother from obliging us to excel above all levels.  My parents have three children who are all above level academically and continuously. My parents are always seeking ways to expand our education and knowledge but due to their economic status it prevents them tremendously. My parents have instilled in me that being African American is a racial strike against me but I cannot let my race alone deter my future. My maternal grandmother is of Haitian descent and I have been taught some of the Creole language throughout my childhood years. Therefore, I want to excel and tear the barrier down to learn multiple languages to place myself in a different category than my peers.

I am fundraising for a 3 week-long trip to Alajuela, Costa Rica this summer, where I will be earning academic credit while studying Spanish the "tico" (native Costa Rican) way of life, as well as gaining valuable cultural experience. I will be involved in the Junior Immersion program, where I will learn the language through audio, visual and dynamic exercises into a highly conversational teaching method.

Going to Alajuela this summer will be an excellent opportunity for me to improve my language skills and immerse myself in the Spanish culture as it is a very diverse language to know here in Florida. I will also gain crucial life experience in the area of international development and sustainability - an area I am interested in learning about to be able to embrace others while being culturally diverse.

I really appreciate any and all donations (no matter how small) made to my campaign for this unimaginable life experience and promise to work hard to make the best of this involvement! Gracias y Merci!