"Help Vanessa´s Dream Trip to Washington, D.C. Come True!"

Carlos Valera Start Date: Oct 26, 2024 - End Date: Feb 25, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Washington D. C., Distrito de Columbia, Estados Unidos

My Travel Story

by: Carlos Valera Start Date: Oct 26, 2024 - End Date: Feb 25, 2025
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
Hi, my name is Carlos, and I'm here to share my daughter Vanessa’s dream with you. Vanessa is an incredible 12-year-old who works hard to take advantage of every opportunity. She’s an eighth-grader in Orlando, Florida, excelling in advanced classes, and last year she earned straight A’s—a huge achievement for her and a source of pride for our whole family.

This year, Vanessa achieved one of her long-time goals: she was accepted into the prestigious Junior Honor Society. The exciting part? Last year, she applied but wasn’t selected, which really discouraged her. But she pushed through, and this year, she was chosen as one of only 30 students from over 100 applicants—a huge accomplishment that filled her with joy.

Now, Vanessa has a unique opportunity to join her Junior Honor Society classmates on an educational trip to Washington, D.C., in March 2025. This 4-night, 5-day trip will give students the chance to visit historic landmarks like the White House, the Capitol, and possibly even meet the President of the United States! It’s an amazing opportunity that will significantly impact her education and future career by enhancing her understanding of government and leadership.

Participating in this trip will empower her to share her experiences and insights with her peers, making a difference in our community by inspiring other students to pursue their dreams. Vanessa is passionate about this project because it represents a milestone in her academic journey, allowing her to learn more about civic responsibility and the importance of community engagement.

Washington, D.C. was chosen as a destination because it is the heart of our nation’s history and government, providing her with the chance to witness firsthand where important decisions are made. This trip is meaningful for Vanessa not only because of the educational experiences it offers but also because it represents a chance to bond with me as her dad. We’ve faced challenges together, and this journey symbolizes the support I have always given her.

Unfortunately, due to our financial situation, coming up with the funds for this trip is challenging. I work on commission, and although my wife also works, our combined income only covers the essential needs of our family of six, including my mother-in-law and my two other daughters. Vanessa is incredibly excited, and I truly want to make this dream a reality for her. But given our current financial circumstances, this is difficult. That’s why I’m reaching out to generous hearts who can help make this possible.

Every donation, big or small, will help us reach our goal of $4,500 to cover both her trip and my expenses as a chaperone. If we can achieve this, I promise to share updates and photos throughout the journey so that you can feel part of this unforgettable experience with us.

Detailed Budget and Donation Options:

Cost for Vanessa’s trip: $2,000 (covers flights, accommodations, meals, and transportation).
Cost for the chaperone (Dad): $2,500.
Total Goal: $4,500.
For anyone interested in smaller, ongoing support, the organizers are allowing monthly payments of $1125 up until February 2025.

Supporting this campaign means helping Vanessa achieve an academic dream and showing her that with perseverance and the kindness of others, any goal is achievable. Every donation counts, and every act of kindness brings us closer to giving her this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We are deeply grateful for any contributions and for the generosity that brings Vanessa’s dream to life. Thank you for helping make this trip a reality!
  • Washington D. C., Distrito de Columbia, Estados Unidos