Chapter 1

My name is Regan Nau (Ree-gan Now) Montoya and I am a 15 year old sophomore from Prescott, Arizona. Now, formal introductions aren't really my thing because I normally prefer to open with a joke or a silly comment, anything but a description about myself. Because honestly, I could tell you how tall I am, and my favorite colors (which are purple and grey, in case you were wondering), and my favorite subject in school but that doesn't really tell you who I am, does it? No, at least I don't think it does. So here's how I want to introduce myself to you:

I'm an open minded, logical, interesting, silly, teenager. I love to drink sugary, caffeinated, overpriced drinks and read books, and totally veg out with my favorite tv shows. I enjoy being active, but I'm definitely not the most athletic person you'll ever meet. I've recently discovered that I have a huge fascination with photography, especially pictures of people and cultures. And, I am obsessed with the ocean, John Green novels, flannel shirts, and raspberry smoothies. 

I want to go abroad for the experience, and the different cultures and the ability to be completely immersed in another countries traditions. I'm not sure where I am headed yet, but honestly I'd be happy no matter where I am placed. I've always known that I wanted to travel the world, and I feel incredibly blessed that my opportunity to do has come sooner than I had anticipated. I know quite of few people whose lives were hugely affected by their foreign exchange years, and I am beyond excited that I am on track to gain wonderful memories of my own in another country.

I expect to gain new friends, a new language, and an even more immense passion for travel, history, and culture. I expect to gain a new appreciation for other countries and a broader view of the world when I read about current events. I am also expecting to gain long lasting relationships with my host family and all of the people that I meet. 

Ahh now its time to mention the serious aspect of this experience: money. 

I need help financing this experience because, in simple terms, there is no way that I could pay for this myself. Even with the job that I have lined up for this summer and the generous sums of money that my family has put in towards my tuition, I will not come close to the total cost without some help. I have actively been applying for financial aid and all the scholarships that are open to me, but I am still waiting to hear back. 

The Sponser an AFSer program (what this blog is a part of)  "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."

I am so incredibly thankful to anyone that donates money towards my tuition or has a piece of advice/experience that they'd be willing to share with me. I am also very, very, very, thankful to my parents who have been completely open about sending me off to another country, and my crazy little sister for already making plans for her takeover of my room. 

To sponsor my AFS program, please click the Donate Now button to make a non tax-deductible contribution directly to my AFS program account.