Her Dreams. My Hopes. Your Help.

My Story

When I came to Quinnipiac University in the fall of 2008 I applied for a position through the Albert Schweitzer Institute to be a part of a delegation that travels to Nicaragua over spring break. This process is one of the most selective on campus as over 100 people apply and only 12-14 are selected to go. Finally, after the application procedure was completed, I was selected to be a part of the delegation! I was ecstatic to be presented with such an amazing opportunity that would allow me to demonstrate my passion to help others.

In March of 2009 I flew to Nicaragua for the first time. Throughout the week I spent the majority of the day building a schoolhouse and playing with the children in the small rural community of La Ceiba. I also spent time at Alianza Americana which offers programs to learn English and strengthen leadership skills and is an affiliate of the Albert Schweitzer Institute. One of my most cherished aspects of the trip was the time I spent getting to know my host family. My first visit to Nicaragua was nothing short of a truly life-altering experience. It gave me new insight into the person that I was and has undoubtedly helped shape the person I have become. It reaffirmed my life's goals and helped me find the motivation to attain them. Nicaragua changed my life.

After my trip last March I was selected to be a leader for future delegations. I returned to Nicaragua this past October and have since been planning for our new delegation's return this March!

Nicaragua has become somewhat of a second home to me. The bond that I have established with my host family and the people of the surrounding communities has become incredibly strong and each day, I awaken with the vivid thoughts of the eternal memories of the experiences I've had in Nicaragua.

Her Story

I mentioned before that I have formed quite a strong bond with my host family in Nicaragua. They are a few of the most passionate, generous, and loving individuals I have ever come in contact with. Although they are very poor, when I visit Nicaragua they open their arms and home to me with all the love that anyone could ask for. They have all taught me immeasurable lessons about life, compassion, love, and struggle; because of this, I feel compelled to give back to them.

A few months ago my host mother, Flor, was in an unfortunate accident. She fractured many vertebrae in her back and because of her lack of necessary means, she finds it difficult to seek the most effective medical attention. She is a single parent as her husband died a few years ago. Flor is a strong woman, anyone could tell this by looking into her eyes, but this accident has hindered this strength significantly. She provides not only for her 3 children but, also for her sister and her niece.

Since I was there in October, her condition has not improved enough to allow her to go back to work and because of this, she has recently lost her job. This means that the 6 people who rely on her for support, are left with very few options.

This brings me to the purpose of this blog. It is my inclination to try and raise money so that my host sister, Xochilt can attend Alianza Americana to gain an education in the English language. If provided with this opportunity, she will be able to significantly increase her chances of getting a job with which she will be able to provide for her family while her mother recovers from her injuries. Xochilt recently applied to Alianza and has received a half scholarship. This means that in order to attend, she must come up with the other half of the tuition price. If she is able to attend, she has a high possibility of also being accepted into a leadership program which would even further her opportunities for success!

Xochilt (far right) is a wonderful young woman with a drive so powerful it is nearly contagious. She deserves the opportunity to better herself and her family and I want nothing more than to help her get just that!

If you are reading this, I thank you and on behalf of Xochilt I ask that you please consider giving a donation to her cause. It doesn't matter how much or how little; every penny gets her closer to achieving her dream and sustaining her family. One of the most valuable things I have learned is how many things we as Americans sometimes take for granted. So, sparing an extra few dollars or emptying out the change in our center consoles to give to a cause such as this becomes something so tremendously life changing to a young woman like Xochilt.

Thank You

Thank you all for reading my story and hers. My gratitude to you is infinite. I will continue to walk this path that I am on and I will never forget to remember those of you who have helped me out along the way.

Make.A.Difference "The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems." -Mahatma Gandhi

To donate click the "donate" button or send the money to the address listed below. All proceeds will go directly into a bank account of which I will empty before my return to Nicaragua and give the funds directly to Alianza Americana to pay for Xochilt's education program. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me at glgleeson@quinnipiac.edu.

Giana Gleeson

Campus Box 1528

Quinnipiac University

275 Mt. Carmel Ave

Hamden, CT 06518

Below are some video clips of the trips:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHel0b_Is9g

(Change It project video made about March Trip)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA8VDBpysS4

(March Trip: Short clip made by a Quinnipiac Student about the trip.)

You are more than welcome to pass this message on to your family and friends!

Thanks Again!

Giana Gleeson