Hi, my name is Olivia, and I am a sophomore in High School. I am a Varsity Cheerleader at my High School along with many of my friends. I am a good student and enjoy going to school. I enjoy doing many things from hanging out with my friends, to spending time with my family, and especially reading. I am participating in an AFS program this upcoming fall for my Junior year in High School. I am going to be spending my year in Italy with a host family there, and attending a local High School. I chose Italy as my host country because I wanted to go to a place that fit my interests. I wanted to go to a place with a rich history, and a strong background in architecture, which are the areas I'm interested in as a future career. I've also heard that the food there is amazing!

I chose to participate in an exchange program because I want to experience something out of my comfort level. I want to have an amazing experience in a place that is very different from my own little world. I expect to gain more confidence from my time in Italy, where I don't know anybody, or speak the language. I also expect to come back knowing more about myself and what my part will be in this world. In return, I hope to bring a little of my own culture to Italy, and help others understand more about the place I call home.

American Field Service, or AFS, is a nonprofit international student exchange organization. It started in 1914 and was an organization that transported injured soldiers in France. It continued into World War I and World War II transporting injured soldiers in both World Wars to hospitals. At the end of World War II, the president of AFS, Stephen Galatti, created a program that would exchange students from Germany and the U.S. so as to promote peaceful international relationships. Today AFS is located in over 50 countries.

I am raising money for my experience so as to pay for the cost of the trip. The cost of the trip for a year in Italy is around $10,900, and covers flights, and orientations throughout the program. I received a partial merit scholarship for my academics, but I still need to raise about $9,500. I have been raising money through my family members, working, and hopefully, raising money with this blog. To sponsor my AFS program now, please click the ChipIn button.

Thank You!