Hello! My name is Jeni Talkington and I am a student at Texas Christian University. I was recently accepted into a study abroad program that would allow me to travel to Borneo to work with orphaned and displaced orangutans due to the increasing growth of palm oil plantations. This is something that will allow me to do what I am passionate about, help animals and be a better steward of our Earth. I am in need of some help because this program is offered over winter break, which most study abroad scholarships do not cover, my school only offers aid for the study abroad programs during the summer break. And it also falls short on the length of stay requirement that most study abroad scholarships have to even consider it eligible to fall under the category of a study abroad program. The money I receive will be used towards the program fee, tuition, airfare and meals while I am abroad. This trip is important to me because it entails exactly what I want to be able to due in the future when I graduate. 

You should invest in me because after I graduate with a bachelor's in environmental science and minor in human animal relationships, I plan to work with wildlife, doing rehabilitation and/or conservation. I have always had a passion for all animals, and I chose to attend TCU specifically because of the amazing opportunities to be able to travel abroad and work with animals firsthand. This trip would be monumental in helping me gain experience and to learn how it is to work in the field in a new environment. I can take what I learn on this trip and apply it to my future assignments in helping wildlife. The problems in Borneo with the palm oil plantations forcing the orangutans out of their homes is truly devastating and I would love a chance to be able to help in any way possible. These animals are having their homes and their lives taken from them due to the increasing growth of palm oil plantations. I am trying to go so I can better serve my planet as a steward of the Earth. As well as educate others to do the same. I may not get to accept the invitation to this program simply because I cannot afford it. I am extremely eager to have the opportunity to go on this trip because I want to make a positive impact by helping wildlife. I firmly believe this trip is my next step in doing that. In my first year of college I learned that all you have in life after you're gone is your legacy. I want to leave a legacy of helping those animals who cannot speak for themselves and being their voice. The only obstacle I face in taking this next step towards creating my legacy is the finding a way to pay for it. I have faced many obstacles in my life to get where I am today, and I am not stopping now. I have learned that obstacles are not there to stop you from achieving your goals. They are simply there to show you how bad you truly want something. Thanks for your time!