Japan: Gathering money for Study Abroad

DeMante M Baldwin Start Date: Jun 7, 2014 - End Date: Aug 29, 2014
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Professional Development
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Tokyo, Japan

My Travel Story

by: DeMante M Baldwin Start Date: Jun 7, 2014 - End Date: Aug 29, 2014
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Professional Development
  • Educational/Research Trip
Studying abroad is a dream that many children born into poverty can't achieve. I was one of those children born into poverty. I, like many others, believed that I would never be able to make it to Japan via a study abroad trip and that the only way to make it would be through work, or as a celebrity.
Once I got to college, that dream became a reality. I learned about study abroad at Grand Valley, and even learned that the price isn't as high as I first believed. I jumped at this opportunity to learn overseas and enrich myself, for the sake of my family and friends, as well as for me. 
The only actual hinderance for my travel abroad are finances. Traveling to Japan for one year is no cheap feat. Cheaper than a semester at U of M, but still expensive. I did not see this as a hinderance immediately, but it has come to my attention that the financial aid I receive for study at GV no longer covers my total cost of tuition. I have also been denied several study abroad scholarships that would have ended this problem immediately, most likely due to grades. (Totally my fault, by the way.)
So I ask you, even if it is a small amount, donating to this cause will be what makes this travel experience meaningful. Not only would it be heart warming, and enriching for multiple parties, you will also help a young man trying to make his way out of poverty into striving member of a community take a step closer to that dream.
  • Tokyo, Japan

Updates

2
  • 日本に行けないが、ギターを弾く

    I have given up studying abroad completely.....
    okay, okay....
    That was a lie. Here is the truth. 

    Due to major financial reasons, I have decided to postpone my study abroad journey until Fall 2015. So, pretty much the reason I started this campaign. Go figure. 

    Anyways, I'm using this extra year to get funded, anyway possible, and to get more scholarships and better grades. 

    One way to do that is via fundraisers and free concerts. If you do not understand Japanese, or did not put the title in some type of translator, it says "I cannot go to Japan, but I can play Guitar". 

    I will use my skills to perform for people at Grand Valley State University, while selling homemade/homebaked goods and lemonade. The lemonade and etc will be used as the fundrasier part. Whatever amount will go into my paypal account for the study abroad trip. 

    So, please continue to support me. I really want to achieve this dream, and you can be one of my main benefactors. 
  • First Funder

    So far, I have been funded by one person. That person is a very dear friend of mine, and I love them all the more for being supportive. Thank you so much. Please continue to support.