More good news!

I needed to upload a lot of documentation to the Gilman to accept my scholarship by June 6th. A lot. So I freaked and didn't know what most of it really needed, certain forms and what not. I emailed my study abroad adviser and was like, HELP! She was very helpful, we got all of the things I needed uploaded and submitted. I will be receiving the money within 3 weeks. One clause I thought was weird was that I had to fly a US Carrier. Which is way more expensive than Aer Lingus or similar. Oh well, I will still get there. When my adviser and I were just about done she said, can I ask you a question? I said absolutely. She asked if she could set up a press release for me. I was excitedly surprised! She said that since I am the only person in Montana to receive such a prestigious award, she wanted the community to know that it is possible for students to achieve what ever they want academically. There is not a limit to what a student can do. I told her that I would be honored to be in a press release.

In doing research and watching videos about Gilman scholarship awardees I found out that the Gilman is a legacy. Once an awardee, awardee for life. Many students have been invited to parties, embassy, and even the White House. My adviser told me that if I get invited, in the US or abroad, for me to go! She said that it is one of the best things I could do. I definitely think that things are falling together for be better than ever! It was Nov 2013 and I told myself that it would be cool to travel to Ireland and study Drafting. By Jan 2014 I was in the program and filling out paperwork, applications, writing essays and figuring out financial aid. Even with this amazing awesome scholarship I still need more funds to make my trip not put me in further debt. I am doing all I can, more scholarships, fin aid at the university and prayer.

I am sure I will be fine but anything helps. Studying abroad is not cheap, but the experience I will be getting I don't think I could put a price on. I love learning, traveling and most of all architectural drafting! I'm unbelievably excited!

Goodnight