A Little About Myself

        Hey, my name is Tristen Wallace, and I am a sophomore at Irvington High School in New York.  I love learning new things, reading, and spending time with my friends, but my true passion is travel.  My family has moved quite often due to my father's work and therefore I have developed a lust for travel.  Exploring other countries and experiencing other people’s cultures can teach you a lot about the world.  In 8^th grade I got the chance to go with my school to Ireland, England, Wales, and France.  We had an amazing tour guide who taught us so much about the cultures of the different peoples, and the rich history of the countries we visited.  there were so many unique experiences that I couldn't even list them.  From just a couple weeks in these places, I gained invaluable insight into the world, and the experiences I had there will definitely prepare me for the real world. 

AFS: My Ticket to a cultural experience!

        Right now, I am in the process of applying to go to and study in New Zealand with AFS Intercultural programs.  I love to travel and learn about different people’s culture, and am ecstatic about this opportunity.  AFS Intercultural programs are a nonprofit organization that helps students study abroad during high school and works to provide international and intercultural learning experiences.  Studying abroad in New Zealand with AFS, I will live with a Kiwi (a native of New Zealand) host family, and get the chance to experience a local high school.   I am really excited about learning about the vast biodiversity of both the island's wildlife!  While there I will learn a great amount about New Zealand culture.  A major part of a high school abroad program is the exchange of cultures.  I can’t wait to share my American heritage with my host family, but am even more thrilled to experience their culture.  When I return to the states, I look forward to sharing this newly found culture with my community, in turn educating other people about the culture of New Zealand.  I will leave in January, 2014 and spend almost a year there.  By spending a year with a family from New Zealand, I will be completely immersed in their culture and learn SO much!  I can’t wait! :D

Fundraising Begins!!

        I have started this blog first and foremost to share my experience in New Zealand with my friends, family, and whoever else wants to come along for the ride, but also because I still need quite a bit of help to make this opportunity reality.  Although I am receiving help with tuition from my family, and have gotten a job to help make money towards my goal, I am still a far ways away from having enough.  Along with fundraising, I have to balance academics (all honors classes), theater, chorus, fencing, and a multitude of other things, so I need all the help I can get. I need to raise a total of $13,200 to cover all tuition fees, all by November 1, 2013.  Please consider making a secure non tax-deductible donation here on my blog.  Any contribution you are able to give is extremely helpful, and any amount will be incredibly useful.  I will keep everyone posted as I approach this goal.  I know the economy right now is rough, but every penny gets me that much closer to reaching my goal.  To sponsor my AFS program now, please click the ChipIn button. I would also appreciate if you would send my blog to anyone else you feel may want to help in sponsoring my AFS exchange.  You can do this by forwarding my blog's web address: http://tristen-newzealand.blogspot.com/