I am William Heywood Jr. a rising third-year full-time student of international business at Champlain College. For my upcoming fall semester, I have been offered an incredible opportunity to fulfill a dream, to participate in an internship and study abroad program in Dublin, Ireland.

While in Dublin my goal is to explore the roots of my people and learn as much about their business culture, strategies, systems, and Irish values. I can then integrate the best of them into my professional approach when I come back to continue my education and work in Vermont.

Champlain has created a great package for students to travel abroad and bring back all they learn. I will also be receiving some grant funding and my regular tuition loans. I currently work at Fastenal Industrial Supplies in between studies. I have consistently held a job and performed volunteer service throughout my time at Champlain College and will continue to do so as I am paying for my student loans. I will also work all summer and my parents and grandparents are each helping as much as they can.

After counting all of that and my potential summer income, I am still coming up short for food and travel. I know this is a big ask, especially as there are so many other needs out there, but I am hoping that my community will help me invest in my broader education. I am a big believer in giving back what I receive and promise that your investment in me will be valued and paid forward whenever I am in the position to do so.

If you prefer to use my Venmo, it is @willheywood42 the last 4 digits of my phone number are 1840. Checks can be mailed to William Heywood at 34 Wardon Rd. Putney, Vt. 05346.

Thank you for your support.