EXCITMENT!!!

So I have started the application process for AFS! I am going to get it all in before I go to MN for college visits on the 19th (of November) an I finally have enough for the first deposit! If anybody is reading my blog and is interested in what i am doing, here is the gurrila e-mail that I sent out. I also started a FB group also focused on this e-mail... enjoy.

My name is Devyn-Reilly Packard; I am a 16 year-old senior attending Casco Bay High School in Portland, Maine. I am planning on being an exchange student next year, to support my love of language and different cultures, but I need help. Norway is my first choice country, but other possibilities are Sweden and Denmark.
To make this dream happen, I need to raise over (USD) 10,000. I am currently attending (high) school full time and achieving honors, as well as working two jobs that give me 20 hours a week. Unfortunately, this is not enough. My parents are unable to help me financially and I have little chance of getting financial aid. While I am applying for scholarships they will not be enough to completely cover the trip.
I am planning on going on my exchange trip with the American Field Service (AFS). Last year I had a Norwegian exchange sister that came with that program and three of my closest friends went for year long exchanges as well. In that year I listened to the stories from my friends and my exchange sister about their orientations and trips around their countries and other countries as well. They learned their country’s languages, and all of them wish vehemently to return to visit those countries the lived in for a year. I too wish to understand those feelings, and hope that you will help provide me with the chance.
What am I asking? I am asking for this e-mail to be sent to everybody in your contact list. I am asking for donations. I am going to give everybody who donates $2.50 a piece of my cap and/or gown. I am also going to keep a blog that will let anybody interested read about my experiences.
For everybody who helps, thank you, I hope to send you a piece of my graduation and sharing with you my experiences.

To make a donation please send cash or a check to:

Devyn-Reilly Packard
19 Willowdale DR, Gorham, ME 04038

For more about AFS intercultural programs visit: http://www.afs.org/afs_or/home

Thank you, so very much.

~ Devyn-Reilly J. Packard ~