Today I went to the travel appointment that I scheduled with Duke Student Health. The nurse went over all the medical concerns I could possible have while traveling, from mosquitoes to unsafe foods to crime prevention and all the medication and vaccines I could need. Then I watched videos that summarized all of that, which kept me distracted while she loaded up four syringes with vaccines for flu, Hep A, typhoid, and meningitis (Her bedside manner was really excellent. She kept up great small talk while she stuck me!). I left with two bandaged arms, two prescriptions (one for Malaria, one for traveler's diarrhea), and a folder full of helpful travel health tips. The visit made me realize how much planning I'll need to put into packing and preparing to leave. I should probably start a packing list soon!
I also sent in my deposit to hold my spot in the Institute! Once I get the confirmation, I will officially be participating!
I've started looking at buying my airline tickets. It's strange; I need two one-way tickets, one from Charlotte to San Jose, the other from Managua to Charlotte. Any seasoned travelers have advice for me? I heard that flights are statistically cheapest on Tuesday, so perhaps I'll check back again then.
Thanks again to my sponsors! I still need to raise $455 more to reach my goal of $1000. I appreciate donations of any amount; no amount is too small. By donating, you'd be making my day by enabling me to pursue my dream of summer service abroad, but you would also be promoting healthcare in the developing world. More people than I will thank you for that :)
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Getting My Ducks in a Row
What a whirlwind these last two weeks have been! Between figuring out which funds were paying for what and scrambling with fundraising ideas, it has been quite a ride.
Initially I had the idea that I would be able to pay for the program fee, the portion of the fee that covers instruction, books, etc. using my college savings account (529). However, it turns out that the instructional institution (in this case EWH) must be administered by the US Department of Education for the expense to be qualified. Instead, my dad and I worked out a deal: In addition to his generous donation of $1000 to my fund, he offered me a loan would cover the expenses I could not with my own money or through fundraising. I will use my work-study position this and next year to pay it off over time. I am so relieved not to have to wonder anymore whether or not I'll be able to financially pull off this trip!
Earlier this week I made a Facebook event publicizing my trip and my request for donations, and I was completely blown away by the enormous generosity my friends and family possess. In three days I have met half of my personal donations goal of $1000! I am resolved to pay them back by updating the blog as frequently as I can and to make as much of this experience as possible.
Outside of school, I've had time to initiate a few little fundraisers. I've taken on an extra 2 hour shift at my work-study job during a period of the day when I'm particularly unproductive. At my pay rate, that's an extra $200! I'm also participating in a neurological study, a time commitment of about 5 hours over a couple weeks, for an additional $120.
My mother bought me a lovely 9" x 13" baking dish and two cookie sheets when she and my sister came to visit last weekend. I plan to put it to good use this weekend by doing some baking this weekend and selling them at a the next Quad Council event (with a Dukecard reader). This fundraising will be enjoyable!
Initially I had the idea that I would be able to pay for the program fee, the portion of the fee that covers instruction, books, etc. using my college savings account (529). However, it turns out that the instructional institution (in this case EWH) must be administered by the US Department of Education for the expense to be qualified. Instead, my dad and I worked out a deal: In addition to his generous donation of $1000 to my fund, he offered me a loan would cover the expenses I could not with my own money or through fundraising. I will use my work-study position this and next year to pay it off over time. I am so relieved not to have to wonder anymore whether or not I'll be able to financially pull off this trip!
Earlier this week I made a Facebook event publicizing my trip and my request for donations, and I was completely blown away by the enormous generosity my friends and family possess. In three days I have met half of my personal donations goal of $1000! I am resolved to pay them back by updating the blog as frequently as I can and to make as much of this experience as possible.
Outside of school, I've had time to initiate a few little fundraisers. I've taken on an extra 2 hour shift at my work-study job during a period of the day when I'm particularly unproductive. At my pay rate, that's an extra $200! I'm also participating in a neurological study, a time commitment of about 5 hours over a couple weeks, for an additional $120.
My mother bought me a lovely 9" x 13" baking dish and two cookie sheets when she and my sister came to visit last weekend. I plan to put it to good use this weekend by doing some baking this weekend and selling them at a the next Quad Council event (with a Dukecard reader). This fundraising will be enjoyable!
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