Hello! My name is Riley R. from California (USA), I am currently a community college student pursuing a degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology, and over the summer of 2020 I will be embarking on a six week volunteer expedition. I've always been passionate about the betterment of others, and since the age of 5 I have been doing what I can to lessen disparity and promote equality amongst those of different sexes, races etc. I truly want nothing more in this world other than the opportunity to help where I can, because I believe it is the moral responsibility of mankind to advocate for one another and lend a hand when someone needs it. 
         I will begin in Accra, Ghana where I shall be working as a medical assistant for four weeks (6/14/20-7/11/20) in a local medical center. I'll administer AIDS, Malaria, & STD tests, conduct rounds with doctors, take the vital signs of patients, and work in various departments such as Pediatrics, Labor & Delivery, and Emergency Medicine. I am elated to have been selected for this trip with the Dream Africa Care Foundation and to immerse myself in the culture and different ways medicine is practiced globally. Since I was in 5th grade and learned something like this was possible I have been anxiously waiting until the day came where I could be a part of something like this. Not only will this be hands-on medical experience relevant to my career, but I will also be giving back to individuals who have not been granted the same privileges I have in America. I am extremely humbled by this opportunity.
      The final two weeks (7/19/20-8/1/20) of my summer volunteerism adventure will be spent in San Jose, Costa Rica with the organization First Hand Costa Rica. To cap off a summer of giving back, I shall spend time in Costa Rica doing conservation, animal protection, and research work specifically involving the leatherback turtle and sloth populations of Costa Rica. Being a young individual, the threat of the current environmental epidemic breaks my heart, but rather than letting it cripple me,  I've decided to do my share of the work to protect species endangered by the climate crisis. I chose Costa Rica because it is abundant with diverse, natural life and stands to lose a lot if something isn't done soon to protect our climate.   
    I am starting this fundraiser to help pay for my plane tickets and cost of living while I am abroad. It would mean the world to me if you supported my campaign in any way. Even a dollar would go a long way. I thank you in advance for your kindness and support. Please donate if you can, because as the old proverb says, it takes a village.