The Wander Fund Scholarship

If awarded the $1,000 Wander Fund scholarship, I would use it to support a transformative trip to Germany this May—my first international experience beyond a childhood visit to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. This trip is both a high school graduation present from me to myself and a self-gifted college graduation gift to my sister. We'll be departing May 22nd and returning June 1st. Additionally, while we’ve worked and saved diligently for this trip, the biggest cost remains airfare—about $825 each, even on a tight budget. This scholarship would go directly toward covering that, and anything left over would help with housing, meals, and local transportation Germany is where I have been planning on visiting since I began my my studies of the language and culture over the past 5 years at Ephrata High School, and that dream as not died since, but meerly took a back seat as I began diligently preparing myself for my future and aligning my actions with my aspriations. Further cementing our decision, my mother’s cousin, who lives in Halle as a missionary, provides us with a meaningful local connection and a base from which to explore outward from. Since beginning my studies about Germany, my plans to visit the Kölner Dom and Schloss Neuschweinstein are at the top of my list. I have been developing my interest in architecture since I turned 14 when I was gifted my first architectural books, and the styles of those two magnificent structures are certainly sights to witness in person. That being said, travel has always represented more than sightseeing to me—it's about immersion, perspective, and growth. As someone training to become an airplane pilot, I understand travel as being both a career and a calling. Understanding how others live, think, and move through the world helps me better navigate my own place in it. As I continue to dive into my aeronautical studies and passions alike, I have realized my deep connection to travel in more than just going somewhere because of its local monuments; it's more for the people I will meet. Travel is what brings happiness into my life, much like the ancient Greek philosopher, Epicurus, explained, the nessesities of a happy life are freedom, friends, and an analyzed life, all of which travel and experiences in new countries can provide me. Finally, receiving this scholarship would mean the difference between a trip that’s financially tight and one that allows me to be fully present in the experience. It would mean breathing room—an opportunity to pause from the balancing act of work, school, and flight training, and focus on cultural learning and exploration. It would be a stepping stone—not just to Germany, but to the broader world I hope to understand, connect with, and someday fly across.

With this scholarship of $1000, I would be able to put it towards a trip on my own to Guatemala. If I were able to choose anywhere to travel with this money I would choose Guatemala as it is my home country. I was adopted into an American family at the age of 8 months. I have never visited as it isn't that safe of a country, and I also haven't had the funds for it. With this money, I would have the opportunities to learn about my culture that has been absent from my life. I would go as soon as possible since learning about my home country is something incredibly important and meaningful to me. I have researched Guatemala through my AP Spanish and Culture assignments, but I know traveling in real life would be life changing for me. Experiencing it in real time rather than looking at pictures would be exhilarating, and I know I would be one step closer to that dream with the help of this scholarship. I have traveled numerous times before nationally, and only once internationally. My drive for exploration and travel stems from my family. Every year we go to a new state whether it be on a road trip or plane. I have visited Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, New York, and Maine. In the summer of 2024, I had to opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with my high school as well. That was the first time I had ever traveled outside of the country (not counting when I was a baby). It was incredible to taste the unique food, listen to the music, and embrace myself into a different culture. That feeling of trying something brand new and being adventurous is something I will never forget, and I have yearned for another trip ever since. This scholarship would mean everything to me. Traveling is truly an amazing passion to have, yet it can be difficult due to the costs of travel. I plan on attending Bloomsburg University for a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing. I will be participating in the Honors College as well, which has many opportunities to study abroad. Sadly, there aren't any specific for Nursing, but in the future I hope to become a travel nurse. Because I love traveling so much, I know I will continue to travel for the rest of my life as I hope to incorporate it into my career. Traveling to me is about embracing another's culture, and discovering new and exciting things. Those desires of ambition will forever guide me to reach my goals of travel. Receiving this scholarship would take me one step further, and for that I would be incredibly grateful.