Nearly 4 years ago today, I was sitting on a fishing boat in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It was one of those rare moments in life where I had nothing to do but think and I remember it with intense clarity. I became overwhelmed with gratitude and the realization that travel is the ultimate privilege.
For the past 10 years, my career goal has been to create a more just and equitable society through education. My growing love for travel had made me feel like I had been deviating from this goal, but it was on that boat where I realized that I could combine these two passions of travel & education. Many youth are not afforded the same opportunities that I had and I needed to find a way to make international travel an attainable dream for them.
I want students to feel that rush of excitement when they successfully order the correct amount of jamón ibérico at a Spanish market. I want the history of ancient civilizations to come alive for them as they walk among the ruins of Ephesus. I want them to realize that international friendships are true treasures, especially when they’re kindled while trekking up a volcano. I was fortunate that travel provided me with all these experiences and I want the same (and more!) for them.
Fast forward to about 3 years later. I was reading one of my favorite travel blog sites, Nomadic Matt, created by Matt Kepnes, and my heart skipped a beat when I found out that he was launching FLYTE.
“FLYTE works with students in underserved communities to promote the benefits of travel, education, and cultural awareness through the creation, funding, and management of overseas trips.”
Through a series of coincidental events that seemed almost meant to be, I met Courtney, FLYTE’s Executive Director, who invited me to join their Board of Directors. It was a dream come true.
Here’s where I need your help!! This summer we are sending a group of students from Anacostia High School to Cuba. This trip relies heavily on the support from generous donors like you. Donations directly fund the flights, accommodations, meals, and other associated costs for the students and their chaperones.
Matt with the students and staff of Anacostia High School, located in Southeast D.C.
It is hard to find a group of students who are more deserving of this trip. They live in an area just outside our nation’s capital, where crime rates are high and graduation rates are low, and in circumstances that prevent them from seeing opportunities beyond their immediate neighborhood. Like many of you reading this, I have been given the chance to work towards my individual goals and ambitions, now it’s our chance to empower these students to become global citizens to see that there’s more to the world, to realize that they can dream big and change their lives and our world in meaningful ways.
Please join me in this effort by clicking here to donate today!!