Hello! My name is Kelsey Reese and I am from the city of Columbia Falls, Montana. I am currently a sophomore at Columbia Falls High School. Recently, I applied to go abroad for a year in the Netherlands, through the American Field Service (AFS) interculteral exchange program.

In the Netherlands, I will go to school just like any other student, learn how to speak Dutch, live with a local family, gain new experience and expand my horizons beyond my hometown. I want to go on this trip because not only do I love traveling, but I also love experiencing new people, places, and activities. The reason I want to go to the Netherlands is not only because of their openness and overall love of life, but because the people are also well-rounded and whole. I want to experience something out of my comfort zone, and I feel that the Netherlands will definitely be the place to acomplish that dream!

Currently, as a Sophomore, I am trying to keep myself busy with Key Club, 4-H, Upward Bound, Pre-AP English, Speech and Debate, helping our local Special Olympics team and music. When I get out of school, I have some interest in both nursing and marine biology and would be interested in persuing those topics. I like to write, read, go for walks and dye my hair funny colors. :) I am very excited about this opportunity to explore and discover the world and am ready to fight my way to the finish line!

Hopefully, I can raise enough money to go on this trip of a lifetime. My goal for right now is $5,000 to help cover the cost of the trip and my stay in the Netherlands. I am working very hard and have many plans to raise the money through many different fundraisers in the next few months, but I still need help to achieve my dream. Thank you for reading about me and the trip I hope to take. If you would like to donate, I would be very greatful! No amount is too small. I know how times are tough, but I am determined and would be thankful to no end. Every little bit will help me be a step closer.

Click on the ChipIn! gadget at the top of the page to help. The donation is completely secure and non-tax deductable. If you would like to help out even more, you can copy and send this link to your friends and tell them my story: http://kelsey-a-year-in-the-life.blogspot.com/

Thank you all so much!

~Kelsey