AlexiaAtSea

Alexia Peña Mendoza Start Date: Mar 9, 2023 - End Date: Jul 8, 2023
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Portugal
  • Morocco
  • Cabo Verde
  • Brazil
  • Suriname
  • Barbados

My Travel Story

by: Alexia Peña Mendoza Start Date: Mar 9, 2023 - End Date: Jul 8, 2023
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Study/Degree Abroad

Hello! My name is Alexia, I’m currently 16 years old, and I come from Mexico. I have a strong passion and desire to travel the world and learn about it; all while contributing to my community, learning about different cultures, meeting new people, and overall exploring our home we call Earth.

For the longest time, I have had an obsession with sailing. My friends and family thought it was just a "phase", but to me it is so much more than just that. With that being said, I am a very curious person, so a couple of years ago I found out about Class Afloat which is an accredited high school program that allows you to travel, learn, volunteer, and sail around the world. It is an opportunity 48 students get to experience from around the world, and I am one of those lucky students.

This sounds great, but this amazing opportunity and experience does come with a price; one that my family alone can’t afford. Since my family and I are from Mexico, this means that we earn money in Mexican Pesos, and since this program is Canadian based, the cost is in Canadian dollars. For my family, this technically duplicates the price for us. I do feel like I have to mention that while I know that in this very moment, others need more support than I do in many different ways, I know that with this experience it will open doors to me so that one day I can have an impact in this world and be an agent of change, as well as a person to leave a positive impact in our society.

Some extra information is that I would be doing my last year of high school on-board this incredible tall ship (Alex-2), and in the future, I plan/wish to work in the UN or other nonprofit organizations to make some sort of difference on Earth; like make sure kids have access to education or make sure people have a good healthcare system. I don't know why, but this has always been a dream to me, and after completing my 12th year of high school: for that summer I want to volunteer in South Africa. These are goals I’ve had for some years now, and it would be an honor to get to live these one-of-a-kind experiences.

Back to Class Afloat, I would not only gain knowledge in school subjects, but I would learn in depth about different cultures and their history. I would be able to meet students from different nationalities and build lifelong relationships and friendships. I would be able to learn how to sail and work in an environment that requires values and morals out of an ordinary day-to-day life. I would also get the chance to help out and volunteer for communities that need the support. This would leave me with a different view and perspective of the world.

I have applied to over 10 scholarships, and even if I were to win those scholarships, my family and I would still need some financial assistance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and the best thing is that I have been accepted into the program, now it’s just the economic aspect that I need help with. I have done everything I can in my favor, and till this day I am still working on it (applying to essays, contacting non-profit organizations, etc.),

This is some of my story of what I want to achieve and I’m hoping I can get some help and support to make this possible. If you can't donate I completely understand, but I would really appreciate it if you could share this link; anything helps and it is always appreciated. 
You can visit these links for more information:
Class Afloat link: https://classafloat.com
My blog: https://alexiaatsea.blogspot.com/?m=1

Thank you! 
- Alexia
  • Netherlands
  • Germany
  • Portugal
  • Morocco
  • Cabo Verde
  • Brazil
  • Suriname
  • Barbados

Updates

1

Adventure Registry

  • Scholarships

    $ 15,000
    anonymous
    • Granted

  • Airline Miles

    0

  • Money for Uniform

    $ 1,500