In my dreams...

So, everyone, it seems that I had been dreaming when I thought I might be able to pull this off. Even if I managed to raise enough money with your help, (I cannot thank you enough for your kindness) blowing 8k for 12 days seems a bit much. It really hurts to say this, but the trip is just way out of my league, and I am better off with a stateside class that will only run me $3,500, rather than more than twice the cost. The fact that I could take TWO classes for the price of one in London, is painful. Therefore, I've decided to take another route.

I will still take a class this summer, although it will be from the comfort of my bedroom via my school's distance education program. In addition, instead of schlepping across the Atlantic, I will take a Megabus down to DC to attend my first ALA conference. As a library student and future librarian, it is essential that I immerse myself as much as possible in the world of librarianship. While having been an ALA member for two years, I've never attended an event. This one is close enough to home (with friends' couches in close proximity) that I can manage it.

In addition to my DC expedition, I have also applied for one other study abroad program. This one, at a fraction of the cost. As a Birthright Israel alumnus, I am eligible to partake in a program called the Mini Masters. This program is an 8 week program in New York City that will study the Holocaust. Upon completion of this course, students will embark on a ten day journey through five towns in Poland and ending up in Prague for some much needed rest and relaxation. While this program does not give me graduate credit, it will give me a wonderful life experience, and help to shape me as I move further into adult life. Unfortunately, (you knew that was coming, didn't you) I have to be accepted first. I've been told to expect a decision sometime during the first week of march. The suspense is killing me.

Now that my plans have completely changed, I must address how many of you agreed to help me. My friends, my family, you are amazing. Your willingness to start campaigns, buy t shirts, and attend shows touched me deeply. I simply cannot in good conscience throw that money away on twelve days. The trip to Poland/Czech Republic will cost a mere fraction of the London trip. Clocking in at $1,000, I could go to Poland, take a summer course, and attend ALA for LESS than 12 days in London.

That said, I really enjoy blogging (so far). And I intend to keep this up, still chronicling my quest for self betterment this summer. I hope you will stick with me on my journey, and hopefully celebrate along with me when I (God willing) get accepted into the Mini Masters program.

So, it is with bittersweet feelings that I close this entry. London will still remain a dream for me for now. If you still wish to help me, toward my lesser monetary goal, you are more than welcome, and I would be more than honored. I will be adjusting the fund raising thermometer to represent my new goal of $5k.

Thank you all again for your readiness to support me. Your friendship means so much to me, and I am lucky to have you all in my life.

Why I Want to go to London

Good evening, everyone. Yesterday morning I received the good news that I was accepted into the London Study Abroad program with the University of Tennessee's School of Information Sciences. This remained wonderful news until I saw that the two week trip would cost roughly $8,000. Yep. That's an eight and THREE zeroes.

For those of you who don't know, I have been working at Sesame Workshop for the last five years. Sesame Workshop is the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street and so much more. I love what I do. Giving back to the community, and helping children all over the world learn to read, write, and grow, is an amazing feeling. In addition to editing Elmo books, I also donate hundreds of books every month to underprivileged schools, community centers, day cares, hospitals and more.

I love the feeling of helping others so much, that it is a major part of my leisure time as well. As I am sure a lot of you know, I am an active member in the Harry Potter fandom. As a part of this global group, I have built houses in New Orleans with Habitat for Humanity, raised money for Darfur, gay rights, animal shelters, and most recently helped raise more than $100,000 for hurricane relief in Haiti.

Now, I understand that I have a roof over my head, and three meals a day, and a steady job. I do not need money. However, if I want to continue my education, and get one step closer to being a card carrying librarian, I do need help. I am trying to raise $8,000 which will pay for tuition, the program fee, airfare, and room and board.

I am not suggesting you just send me your money. I don't want this to be a charity. What I am suggesting, is that you think of me if you have some extra cash to spend on T-shirts, CDs, (Madam Pince and the Librarians) or jewelry. If owning more stuff is not your thing, I am also experienced as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader. If you need anything edited from TV scripts, to cover letters, to resumes, to business reports, let me know.

The purpose of this blog is to give you updates on everything that I am doing to reach my goal (like cooking more often, and putting that money into my savings account, instead of into restaurants). I am also open to other suggestions for fund raising, but I repeat, this is not a charity. I want to earn this, and make sure you're getting something in return.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you.