Sunday, September 18, 2011

Full Application & Scholarship

So, I've finally started the full application process. and let me tell you, for anyone who doesn't know what this application is about..it's insane. The application has many parts to it- personal contact information, placement information, a picture portion, letters of recommendation, parent consent and signatures, a health form, a passport section, and so on. I started the little parts of the application such as the personal information back in the beginning of July, and now that school has finally started, I am getting more and more in depth with the process. I've already asked my former Spanish teach for a letter of recommendation, and he willingly accepted! Next week, I have a meeting with my parents, guidance counselor, and principal to discuss whether and if i receive any credits for studying abroad. I'm crossing my fingers and wishing for the best! I'm nervous, but at the same time, I don't really care if i don't get any credits. Studying in Spain would so be worth it anyways! So far, I have about 1/3 of my application done with much more to follow! I'm slowly gathering parts and pieces together, and soon it will be finished.

I'm also applying for a very generous scholarship. It's called the Speedwell Scholarship. It's available to any student in Lancaster or Lebanon county, Pennsylvania wanting to study abroad for a year to the country of their choice. In the previous years, this was a full scholarship! If i'm remembering correctly, there were 19 full scholarships awarded last year, and everyone who applied, received a scholarship! I think this is a great opportunity to take advantage of. For the Speedwell Scholarship, all i need to do is attend a high school in Lancaster or Lebanon county and meet the AFS criteria, and also write a short essay.

My goal is to have both my full application and Speedwell Scholarship application submitted by the beginning of January. It's going to be a test of patience, but in the end, it will be worth it!

As you can see, this post is full of no updates or good news whatsoever. Wish me luck as my AFS adventure is only beginning!

-Paige

Monday, June 27, 2011

it's only the beginning..

Dear friends,

My name is Paige Rothfus and in a little over a year, I plan to study abroad in Spain as an AFS foreign exchange student. In late August 2012, I plan to travel to Spain for ten months during my senior year of high school. Like most other students, I want to make the best of my education and I believe traveling to Spain and immersing myself in a whole new language and culture, would be a great way to do so! Traveling to Spain, not only would open my eyes and make me a better person, but will also give me the opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life. While in Spain, I will strive to solidify my Spanish speaking skills and by doing this, it help me further understand and fully accept a new culture and way of life. During my ten months in here, I will learn new things every day about the Spanish culture; hopefully I will educate the people around me of the American culture, as well. I decided to start the fundraising process a little early, to ensure I can reach my goal.
Ever since I was a little kid, I have enjoyed listening to the marvelous stories my grandparents used to tell of their travel experiences throughout the world. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of traveling not only to different places and countries, but outside of my comfort zone, too. Now that I finally have the chance to study abroad, I'm definitely going to take it!
So far, I have been working a part-time job to earn money for my trip and tuition fees. I also have been babysitting, and doing everything in my willpower to make my trip to Spain a success. I have already filled out my preliminary application and I am actively working on the tedious full application. I want to insure a spot to study abroad in Spain, and by getting a head start, that's bound to happen! Don't worry, I will continually post and update you about me and my adventures!

Thank you,
Paige