So Close!

Once again, I've neglected to keep this as updated as I once did, and I apologize. However, I have some great news.

I'm getting closer to having the tuition for the conference. While I'm not sure of the exact numbers, its very close. I'm very fortunate to have such a supportive family that was willing to help me out even when my own community either neglected or was not able to. I plan to have all of my payment in on the 15th of March, fully registering me and guaranteeing my spot as a National Youth Correspondent representing both my school and the state of Maryland.

One of my newest ideas was for a fundraiser, something that I hope will be a success so that there won't be so much stress on my family to come up with the rest of the tuition. I recently learned that the local bowling alley does fundraising events for interested parties, and if I were to get about 24 people to participate on the same night for my cause, I would raise enough to not only pay for the rest of my tuition, but set aside money for anything else as well.

This spring I plan to revamp my wardrobe for the conference (that means actual skirts and blouses - so professional!), and I'm very excited to have the opportunity. Every day it gets closer and closer to the summer, and I honestly am counting down the days until my drop-off at George Mason.

136 days. In four months and some change, I'll be standing in the halls of George Mason as a rising senior, a girl representing a small town in Southern Maryland among 249 other students. The thought itself is surreal. Just to think that this is an opportunity for me to not only shine, but to have contacts for the future - it almost seems like the time should go by faster just so I can wake up tomorrow and start packing.

This is definitely going to be the greatest week ever. I can't wait!

Thanks as always for reading,
Leena

First Letter!

Good evening,

Earlier this week I received my first letter, addressed from the community organizer of Dollar General. Unfortunately, I was informed that while the company applauded me in my pursuit of a higher education, they were unable to donate to any causes other than charities.

I figured that this would be the response from a majority of the businesses I corresponded with, but the fact that Dollar General's letter was dated February 8th raises some issues. When I delivered the letters to the Post Office, it was well before Christmas break. They were supposed to be received at ALL of their destinations by the 14th of December. December.

So how is it that it took over a month to get a response about a company-wide policy, something that is in no way flexible or deserving of an exception?

The deadline for the tuition of the conference is nearing every day, and as I count down the time until March 30th, I will continue to keep an eye out for the missing letters. Maybe I'll get some kind of good news.

Thanks for reading, and have a great night,
Leena