DeMante M Baldwin Study Abroad Fund

DeMante M Baldwin Start Date: Aug 31, 2014 - End Date: Dec 28, 2014
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Tokyo, Japan

My Travel Story

by: DeMante M Baldwin Start Date: Aug 31, 2014 - End Date: Dec 28, 2014
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
Hello, my name is DeMante M. Baldwin. I am a 20 year old junior at Grand Valley State University. I have been studying the Japanese langauge for a total of 2 years. I have been planning to travel abroad since August 25, 2013. Many things are required to fully understand a language. Things such as knowing the differences between cultural norms, or knowing how to speak to people of higher status. 
All of this can be taught in a class, but it is only ever fully learned when it is studied in the place of origin. That is where this trip comes in. I want to fully understand the Japanese culture and the differences bewteen me and my Japanese friends. I want to be able to help my American friends understand my Japanese friends, and vice-versa.
I am also a musician. I have played guitar for a total of three years now. I have an undying passion to constantly learn something new. I am a firm believer in knowing multiple "tricks of the trade" as it's sometimes called. In terms of work, being multi-skilled makes one person more desireable than 10, even if that one is not a master. That being said, I want to learn more styles of music as well. Japanese rock, or J-Rock, is very different from American rock, in more ways than one. I want to somehow bridge this difference and make a combination of both. 
Studying abroad is a dream that I plan to soon make a reality, no matter how long it takes. I'm asking that you help me make this a reality a bit sooner by donating to my cause. Any amount helps. Thank you greatly.
  • Tokyo, Japan

Updates

1
  • Same Campaign, New Game

    Okay, so for those of you who have already seen the other campaign, the date limit I had on that expired. 

    I now present you with a newer, better campaign. The goal amount is still fairly high, but not as high as the other. 

    Please spread the word, and please help. 

    Thank you greatly.