Hello

My name is Maggie Hutchison and I have been wanting to be an AFS student for a couple of years now. I wish to go to Thailand, Findland, or Italy. I want to be an AFS student because I am very interested in other cultures, I want to learn more about them, and I wish to grow both mentally and emotionally as a person. I hope to gain a understanding of different views of the world and be able to interact in more than one way of life. Upon my arrival I will not only share my experience with my school but with my community. I will tell others about my trip and encourage them to learn and explore new places and share their own culture.
Throughout the application process my family has been extremely supportive of me. They have given up many things in order to assist me with the application process and pay for my tuition. I cannot thank them enough for standing by me and always being there. My friends have also been very excited and supportive during the process.
The biggest barrier I have had to overcome was the tuition fee. Like I said my parents, my sister, and I have had to give up things in order to save money. I have also worked very hard to think of fundraisers. I have started a flash drive fundraiser at the high school, created spirit jewelry to sell at the high school football games, and applied for jobs. I am planning on writing to the local buisness and service organizations asking them to sponsor me in exchang for sharing my experience with them upon my return. I will approach our local newspaper, for support and ask them if they will publish letters from abroad during my travels. I cannot wait until I find out more about my host family and where I will be staying!

Stay tuned for more information.
-Maggie