My name is Makena Ailie, and I will be departing from Spokane, Washington for AFS High School Year Abroad in Japan soon. I’m so thrilled and looking forward to learning more about myself, culture, being surrounded in a whole new world with new people, and helping others learn more about American culture and the English language.
Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to travel and learn more about my heritage. Throughout my life, I’ve been studying about the Japanese language, culture, people, food, and even the wildlife in different regions. When I learned about foreign exchange in middle school I leaped for the chance when everything was open again after Covid-19. I’m now a Junior in High School and am so hyped that I’m taking such a huge step and get to try so many new things and get to meet so many new amazing people soon.
After my year abroad, I want to come back with not only showing and teaching others more about the language and culture, but I also hope to be coming back with my identity I’ve dreamed to find since I was little. By having a much bigger and broader view of the world, I hope I can volunteer with AFS to help many of those in need and help others achieve the same dreams.
Ever since I was old enough to get a part-time job, I got right on it. I’ve been saving up all of my money for the program and have been working as many hours as I’m able. I come from a family of a single mom and two kids including myself. Both of us are looking at college soon. Due to those expenses, I help my mom out with living expenses whenever I can. All of my family is excited and supporting me going abroad, but all are tight on expenses currently.
I have joined this AFS Sponsor, an AFSer program, which is an online fundraising tool provided by AFS to allow potential sponsors to make easy, secure, and non-tax-deductible contributions to my AFS program fee. Even the smallest contributions are invaluable and are held in the highest gratitude.
Thank you so much for taking the time in your day to read my blog. I would be ever so thankful if you could forward this message to anyone who you believe may be interested in sponsoring my AFS experience in Japan. I will keep up on this page posting about myself and my adventures in Japan once I arrive.
To sponsor my AFS program, please click the Donate Now button to make a non-tax-deductible contribution directly to my AFS program account.
