Many people spend the bulk of their summer doing activities like sports and spending time outdoors. However,  Sarah Hawkinson, senior, plans on traveling to different countries with 50 other students.

“The organization I am traveling with is called People to People, and it is a student ambassador program which basically means myself and 50 other students from other states get to travel together to Spain, Italy and France this summer,” Hawkinson said.

People to People is a program for students who travel to connect America’s culture with culture of different countries from six different continents. The mission of People to People is to create a better world that is interconnected for generations to come.

Her trip is called Mediterranean Traditions and is 20 days.

“I get to do some really cool things like repel down a castle, learn how to cook authentic food in each country, and I get to do a home-stay so the family can show me what daily life is like so I am excited for all of that,” Hawkinson said.

The trip costs $6,500. Therefore, Hawkinson wants to generate some money to pay for her experience. Right now, she has $10 on her gofundme page along with money saved up from last  year.

“As for donations I have a campaign on a site called gofundme.com/sheurotrip where people can make a donation of any amount,” Hawkinson said. “I have a goal of $5,000 to reach by July so everything helps.”

Hawkinson said she found out about the organization because her brother went on a trip in the past with People to People.

“I got invited to go on this trip because an anonymous person recommended me,” Hawkinson said.

She said she instantly jumped on the idea because she has always loved traveling.

“I couldn’t pass up the chance to see some of my favorite places. It is also a great opportunity to meet new people and kind of step out of my comfort zone,” Hawkinson said.

Sarah’s mom, Lynne Hawkinson, said she is excited that Sarah has the opportunity to experience different cultures and meet students abroad.

“It will be a little nerve racking sending her on this trip, especially in light of recent events in foreign countries,” Lynne said.

Sarah, however, will be chaperoned by special teachers from People to People.

“I feel that she’ll not only learn about the countries that she visits, but she will grow and learn about herself through this experience,” Lynne said, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we are proud that she was chosen to represent her country as a student ambassador.”

Renee Owens, junior, has donated five dollars to Sarah’s cause.

“Sarah is setting herself up to change the world and make an impact. I think it is very important to make an impact and brighten up the world with good deeds,” Owens said.

Owens found out about what Sarah is accomplishing this summer through shared posts on Facebook.

“Sarah’s decision of traveling is incredible and she is really strong for doing that,” Owens said. “She is a great role model and maybe someday I will do the same and travel like she will.”