New, big things! New, big challenges...

So, two days ago I called the office of the Foundation for Sustainable Development in San Francisco. I wanted to know how far along in the process of reviewing applications they were, especially since it had already taken a week longer than I was originally told (2 weeks). The delay in the processing of my application caused me to send in my Fulbright grant application without a letter stating that I had been accepted by the FSD. I felt like this may hurt the viability of my application a bit; however, I am going to keep my hopes up (especially since it would cover the expenses of the program).

I was getting a bit ahead of myself though, as I had not even been accepted yet. But, my impatient phone call to the FSD office allowed me to hear the news that I wanted: that I had been accepted to their Microfinance/Community Development program in Rio de La Plata, Argentina!!! They originally thought I wanted to start in January of this year, but obviously that won't work with me being in Spain until June of 2010. So after a bit of talking, I have been able to defer my application, which means I just tell them when I want to start my program.

At the moment, I am signed up for a 9-month program (starting in September) that would allow me to go home for the summer, save some money, go to Argentina and return summer of 2011 to do the same for my next adventure. Just to touch briefly on this: my dream school is the Institute of Social Studies in the Haag, in the Netherlands. Ideally, I would start my studies there for my Master's in Fall 2011. But, first things first. Argentina.

I need to start figuring out how to fund this internship with the FSD. As of right now, my program fee is $10,000, which includes insurance, housing, food and money for my own seed grants (money that funds my development projects). I am figuring about $1200 for the flight, and another $3000 for miscellaneous expenses. All in all, nearly $15,000. If I were to win the Fulbright it would cover absolutely everything, although I would start six-months later than my ideal time. This has prompted me to search for other grants and scholarships to help defray the costs that are about to swallow me. If anyone reading this has any fundraising ideas, please, feel free to let me know. I am able to get tax-exempt status for all donations, etc. because the money goes to a non-profit agency.

It's nice to know that all I have to worry about is money now. I feel like getting into the FSD's Argentina program was really a huge stepping stone to my long-term, life goals. As a product of the social welfare system of the United States, I know that I have been given many opportunities that have helped me better my situation and ultimately quality of life. I feel like my passion is being able to do that for people much less fortunate than myself, in an area that is under-served by professionals (in which I happen to speak the language). Sustainable community development (social and economic) has been the part of my studies that has grabbed my attention from since before I even knew what it was called.

I'm going to place links to the two programs I'll be working with so all who are interested can check it out. Take care and until next time!

http://www.fsdinternational.org/country/argentina/cdopps

http://www.fsdinternational.org/country/argentina/mfopps