I want to see the world!

Hello to you reading this!

My name is Asia Harris, and I'm a 17 year old senior in high school at Campbell Hall. At my school I’ve been able to explore a lot of different subjects. I really enjoy all my classes at school, but my favorite class has definitely been my Japanese class. I’ve studied Japanese for almost five years now, and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. In addition to my schoolwork, I pride myself in being an artist, singer, dancer, and writer.

I just love to be creative in general and explore art in its many forms. There’s something so satisfying and exhilarating about making something new and original; conceptualizing an idea to make it part of your reality. For me that looks like drawing in my sketchbook, painting with watercolor, gouache, or acrylics, directing and choreographing dance films, and writing and performing songs with my friends.

I have a passion for learning and love any opportunity I get to expand my horizons and understanding of the world. I was fortunate enough to be able to go to Europe this past summer, my first time traveling overseas, to learn about art history. I had a wonderful taste of what it’s like to travel somewhere new, and really hope to growing my passion for new experiences even more. This same passion for learning and growing is also what led me to first joining Cinnamongirl, and in turn to this very moment and amazing opportunity

Cinnamongirl is a program for girls of color to come together and learn with and from one another. I am lucky enough to be a part of this program for a year now in the story-writing cohort, and to have been given the opportunity to travel with eleven other girls to Japan, through Cinnamongirl’s travel cohort. This is the first time I’ve had the chance to form a community with like-minded girls outside of school, and I’m excited to see how close we’ll become on this trip and beyond.

In going to Japan I would be able to receive an immersive cultural experience, try authentic Japanese foods, see monuments in person, and get to explore life in a different country. I’m also looking forward to finally applying all of the lessons I've learned in my Japanese class.

Through this trip, I will achieve a greater understanding of myself. I’m excto experience firsthand, the global perspective I’ve only ever dreamed about gaining. The trip itself will take place in June of 2023, a few days after my high school graduation. And then I will hopefully be traveling across Japan visiting cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

I believe that we are all lifelong learners. Even after I finish school, it is important that I make a constant effort to learn from the people and things around me. A trip like this one is especially important to me as I will be starting my first year of college in the months afterwards. Having the experience of traveling to a new country, encountering new things and experiencing different cultures will not only increase my confidence but affect the way I boldly maneuver in the world.

The goal is to raise $6,500 to fund airfare, room and board, meals, and souvenirs for my trip to Japan. I appreciate any contribution you’re willing to make, to help make this happen.

I look forward to taking you on this journey with me. よろしくおねがいします！

Thank you for your support! :)

-Asia H.