こんにちは皆さん!!! (Hello Everyone!!!)
僕のブログへようこそ!!! (Welcome to my blog!!!)
Who am I?
My name is Jonathan Valuriya, a 16 year old high school student from the suburbs of NY. I'm currently going into my junior year and plan on studying in Japan. A bit more about myself I like playing guitar, drawing, running, cooking, and singing. I plan on studying at an arts school in the Kyoto or Tokyo area and becoming a director or graphic designer. My impossible goal is becoming a J-pop star or seiyuu (voice actor). And of course as the name of the blog states I am a total otaku/ anime geek!
Studying abroad?
That's right, I plan on studying in a Japanese high school starting Spring of 2014!
Why study in Japan?
Well for one anime and manga have definitely played a big role in convincing me to go, but to be completely honest it's not a main reason or an original reason. I guess I can start all the way at age 3, my mom had to raise me alone since my dad left me before birth, she always brought me to the Japanese restaurant that she worked at. Many of the people there were from Japan and helped take care of me at such a young age which I felt helped influence me. As I grew up I became very interested in a lot of Japanese things from the history, architecture, and language to more pop culture things like music, fashion, and of course anime/ manga. My interests just grew into a love for everything about the country, because of this I've become very determined at studying in Japan and moving there in the future.
What do I expect to gain from the experience?
For one I plan on learning to speak, read, and write in the language fluently so when I get into university I will be able to have a better understanding than if I were to stay here in the United States. I also would love to learn about/ experience the culture of Japan being there. I also plan on making a lot of connections there, from contacting universities, to just making friendships that will last a lifetime. I also feel this trip will be kind of a self discovery of sorts and really to adapt in a new environment and become more independent. And finally to just have fun while there! :D
How much will this cost?
The tuition is going to cost $14,000, this is not including plane flight, school uniform, and everyday spending money. totaling it up it will cost approximately $20,000. This where I'm asking for your help!
Why do I need help financing your AFS experience?
I really need help raising money for the tuition. I am currently working two part time jobs and my mom is working at least 3 jobs to help keep up with this. As I've said my father left us and his whereabouts are completely unknown. We have a bit of financial trouble which I'd rather not explain in detail but nearly led to us being evicted from our home.
What have I already done, and what am I planning to do, to contribute to my fundraising efforts?
As stated I'm currently working 2 part time jobs and my mom is at least working 3. I have applied for 2 scholarships offered by AFS, the organization running my study abroad. One cover the entire tuition and the other covers half of my tuition, I have also applied to a financial aid scholarship being offered which covers a certain percentage depending on my financial status. I also plan on asking companies for donations and am asking local businesses to help fund raise my study abroad. And now I'm asking you guys, viewers of this blog for financial help.
How you can help?
If you can donating through the "Sponsor an AFSer" program would be the best, just click the "Donate Now" button to make a donation. Any donation of any price would be greatly appreciated. If you can't donate I would really appreciate it if you share this blog with anyone who could help with donations. Finally towards everyone I'd appreciate it if you continued to follow this blog as moral support of sorts.
What is the Sponsor an AFSer program?
Sponsor an AFSer is an online fundraising tool provided by AFS to allow potential sponsors to make easy, secure, and non tax-deductible contributions to my AFS program fee.
How/what will I give in return?
To be honest, I'm not really sure what I can return that is equivalent to your generosity in helping me, a 16 year old boy on the internet study in Japan. I guess what I can return is my posts on this blog and vlogs on my youtube channel, the possibility that you just helped a future successful manga artist/ director/ musician etc., and I guess that warm feeling you get when you've spread generosity without a reason and helped a teenage boy reach one of his life goals. (^_^)
Thank you so much for taking the time to view my blog, and many thanks to those who help donate and support my study abroad to Japan. Once again to sponsor my AFS program, please click the Donate Now button to make a non tax-deductible contribution directly to my AFS program account.
- Jonathan Valuriya
ヴァルリヤ ジョナテャン
