Hi there! My name is Jada and I'm currently a university student in Boston, from Hawai'i. I am here to share about my upcoming study abroad and why I plan on doing so.

For some reason, I've had this dream to open up a cafe in Italy. Even before I became a barista, it was always a dream to open up a cafe for some reason, but I have a draw to Italy even though I've never been there before. I know Italy is known for coffee--I've been told my many customers and I've seen amazing coffee videos online! I plan to use this study abroad to not only explore a whole new city, but learn about a culture and how my cafe can fit into such culture. I will take this time to learn mannerisms, differences, and ways in which I can become better, not only for my cafe, but for myself. 

Just a little bit about my cafe: I want it to be a meeting place of different cultures. A place where we can all learn from each other and bond over something every visitor has in common -- a love for coffee (or beverages in general!). Since I come from such a different background (I'm Japanese-Filipino from Hawai'i), I will be able to bring a new perspective and culture and integrate the new culture that I am learning from being in Italy. This dream likely won't happen for a long while, but I may as well take the first step by going to the country and learning as much as I can!

I'm currently funding this trip with personal funds, which is why I'm trying to raise money! I'm a full time student but I'm also working nearly full-time as a barista during school to save up for this. I didn't get the chance to travel much growing up, so I'm really determined and excited to make this experience the best I can!

Thank you so much for reading and I am so thankful for your support :)