Dobson Volunteer Service Program and Donations

Before I left for Uganda I applied for the Dobson Volunteer Service Program. This program can fund up to 50% of the cost in exchange for a minimum of 10 presentations. Presentations are used to educate others in not only your experience but also the importance of volunteering.

I recently found out the Dobson Executive Board selected me!!! They have awarded me the highest amount possible: funding for 50% of my trip. What a huge huge blessing!Eve more so because I had to pay out-state tuition this semester, which I did not budget when was planning for the trip in the fall. Because of the money situation, I had debated about whether or not to come until the week prior. Trying to determine if it was going to be worth it, and how I was to pay the bills from when I graduated and when I got one of those big-people jobs my dad keeps telling me to get.
Beyond the money is the the opportunity to educate others. When I come home from Peace Corps Niger, I was able to give presentations. My friend Jerilyn alllowed me to speak to her high school English class. I had a blast reliving moments and seeing the students faces with some of the pictures and stories. The students were not only learned about another culture and way of life, but I was able to reflect more of my experience and how I grew through preparing for the presentations and the students' questions and comments.

I do not have the paperwork with the requirements for reimbursement yet, it was sent to my home. I do know that I am required to demonstrate dedication to the initiative by raising the remaining funds. As you may know, most expenses were paid for prior to my departure and donation of tangible things were given to me at Christmas. Leave it to me to try to raise money for the trip during the middle of my trip. What can I say, I was meant for and adapted very well to Africa's concept of time.

Brent, my boyfriend, has been kind enough to figure out how to set up a donate button on my blog. He placed it in the top center of the page.
I do not have the exact total for my trip, it was only an estimate prior to my departure. The estimate was between $4,200 and $4,500. An actual total will be determine within my first of being home. My goal is to raise $2,000. I do not have a time frame because I do not know the requirment details. If donations exceed this amount, I want to donate the additional funds to SHIM, intended for the man who saved the boat and my life. I am still waiting for updates of his medical status, as well as who he is and where he lives. If this is not possible then funding for future anti-defilement projects.

Thank you all for your support, prayers, and encouragement.

Hugs from across the ocean . . .




"The Dobson Volunteer Service Program is a capstone service experience at the University of South Carolina. Participants engage in meaningful service internships and have the opportunity to make a positive impact in communities that have limited means to care for themselves in South Carolina and other locations, both inside and outside the United States. The University of South Carolina community has a strong ethic of service and continually engages in service locally, nationally, and internationally. The program is available to USC undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty who meet selection criteria. Participants compete through an application and interview selection process. The goals for all participants engaged in the Dobson Volunteer Service Program are to develop an increased sense of civic responsibility and academic self-confidence; achieve higher grades; enhance leadership ability; develop critical thinking skills; and to deepen their understanding of national and community problems. By combining formal study with service to the community, students find that their learning takes on greater depth and meaning."


http://www.sa.sc.edu/stlife/dobson.htm