One word to make my dreams come true Thailand!

Jaclyn Neville Start Date: Apr 17, 2016 - End Date: Oct 16, 2016
  • Thailand

My Travel Story

by: Jaclyn Neville Start Date: Apr 17, 2016 - End Date: Oct 16, 2016
Hi, my name is Jaclyn I am a junior at Carroll University and currently trying to raise money for my trip to Thailand that I will be participating in December of 2016. My University requires all students to engage in what they call a cross-cultural experience, also known as a cce before you graduate. The trip to Thailand is only offered every three years and I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the few individuals to attend this cce. One of the big reasons I want to go to Thailand is because this cce is focused around intercultural communications. I am studying communications as my major and an opportunity like this doesn’t come around that often. Being able to gather my communication, knowledge and apply it in Thailand would make my dreams come true. A few ways this will happen is by seeing how societal norms and values, history, art, and the media influence intercultural communication. I will also be able to put my communication skills to use by exploring how the Theravada Buddhism informs Thai society. The other main reason why I want to be able to go to Thailand is because I am a huge animal lover some may even call me an animal activist. I am working toward a minor in political science. When I graduate I want to work for an animal foundation like the ASPCA or The Humane Society of the United States. My dream job is to work for one of these organizations and try to pass laws protecting animal welfare. Why am I telling you about this you may ask? A huge component of the trip to Thailand is getting the once in a lifetime chance to stay at an Elephant Nature Reserve. I will assist in bathing the elephants, preparing their food, and learning each and every elephant’s story. To me the Elephant Nature Reserve is more than just an experience to see elephants, but it’s a chance to learn about the rescue and rehabilitation center. In addition to elephants the Reserve rescues and rehabilitates buffalo, dogs, cats, and other rescued animals as well. To be able to visit the Reserve would change my life forever. The Reserve stands for giving animals a second chance at life and above all giving them a voice. Finally, Thailand is also home a handful of stray dogs that roam the streets. I plan to bring a bag of dog food to hand out to the stray dogs. I find that as small of an action as bringing dog food can still make a difference. Words can’t explain how thankful and appreciative I am of everyone who is donating money for me to go to Thailand. A few additional activities I will be participating during my stay in Thailand are visiting the Royal Palace and the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. I will visit a temple and learn Thai healing arts. I will visit the Bumrungard Hospital, which is the largest medical tourism hospital in the world. I would like to let you know that I am trying to raise 4,200 dollars by October 2016. The money will go toward travel, accommodations, tours, and meals. Like I have said above words won’t give justice to how thankful I am of everyone donating money to give life to my dream of Thailand.
  • Thailand