Starting..

Well, this is my first entry in this blog.. no, in the blog, so I think I'll start with introducing myself.

My name is Ana Kurkhuli, but everyone calls me Ano. I am from Geogia, a tiny country somewhere between Europe and Asia. I am 19 and currently I am a Junior at business school, studying business administration.

During these 19 years of my life I found that I am a very changeable person. I mean everything. My interests change once ot twice a year, my moods change few time a day. I like novelties, I like challenges and I like traveling.

Unfortunately I don't travel much, maybe lack of time or finances, but still..

Well, the reason why I started this blog is because I'm going to travel with Up with People starting this summer as the member of Cast B 2008, but let's start from the beginning.

Five months ago I was  surfing in the net and suddenly found a site where it was said that i could travel around the world with many other young people from around the world. That was really intriguing. I was a volunteer for a month in Germany with student from around the world, community working, cultural exhcange,etc. I really liked it, actually that was the greatest experience in my life. And now I am finding a program where community impact, cultural immersion with international travel and performance is combined. 

Yes, it was Up with People (you can see information on www.upwithpeople.org if you are interested)...

Of, course I applied immediately. Usually I am not a very lucky person. I mean I applied for the program but I didn't think that I would be lucky enough to be accepted. You always need a bit of luck.

So, in two weeks they contacted by email sending me an online interview form. I had to answer few questions and send the form back. I was really motivated, really, really, and it took me 4 days to answer the questions. I tried hard... and I sent. It was said that they would contact me within a week or two. and I waited.

One month passed without answer.

And suddenly, when my hopes almost vanished they sent me an email stating that they wanted an online interview. That was really cool. The online interview went well. I talked to my admissions councler, who was very nice. We talked for about 20 minutes. She said that the interview was quite short, but she had already found out what she needed and kept saying that I had the qualities they were looking for in participants.

And in a week, on 6th October I was accepted.

It was really cool, I mean it, the feeling that I succeded on my own, that they wanted me because of what I was. It made me positive about everything, because usually people around don't understand me quite enough, and now knowing that I was needed really inspired me.

That's nice but it was only the part of the challenge. The second part was fundraising. And funraising in Georgia Really S**KS. I'll explain.

1. Foundations (that give scholarships for education programs) -  First of all I emailed them, all of them. NO answer. I resent them emails. Still no answer for 2 months. Okay. I phoned them. Most of them told me that they don't give scholarships for non-degree cultural exchange programs like the one of Up with People after explaining them the main concepts of the program. They fund only master and Phd ones. I managed to meet with few of them but without any reasult, without any hope left. But I still don't give up...

2. Businesses (companies) - the same no answer and no need for sponsoring this kind of programs.  BUT some of them said that they didn't have funds left. That was smth new.

3. Saving Jar - yes, but doesn't help much, only $100 for 3 months...

4. Selling the souvenirs to frineds- collected only $90. Not very generous friends:)

5. Sponsor a day - this one failed completly, because the day costs approximately $100. No chance.

6. Ok, now i'm going to work part-time. But i'll collect max $400 if i work for 4 months. Salaries are law here especially for the part-time jobs. 

So my fundraising s*cks.

I also aplied for the UWP scholarship but i'm not sure if they will give the full scholarship ($14250)
But I don't give up. Really. I cant let go this chance. I won't forgive myself if I will:)) So I'm doing my best to fundraise here.

I think I have already written a lot for today.

I hope you like this blog, if no please tell me why so I could correct my mistakes.

So, see you soon

AnO`