"Let's Get Down To Business"

I have a dream and a plan for my future, but now I need to get down to the business of making this plan a reality. The upcoming months will be filled with fundraising and preparation as I fund raise for my tuition, determine the logistics of traveling for 6 months, planning my educational activities, and finally packing up for the road. The only problem is, where to start. There is so much to do, so many details to manage, and it can feel as though I am drowning. Whenever I feel as though I am up to my eyeballs in questions, I try to remember Rome wasn't built in a day.

The first step, a financial plan to pay for my tuition and get to Denver next July. The tuition, preparation and logistics add up to about $20,000. I know, I know that is an obscene amount of money, especially for a 17 year old with a minimal grasp on adulthood. However, I have fully investigated and scrutinized the commitment and decision that I am making. Now back to the financial planning, how am I going to accomplish this seemingly insurmountable task?

Honestly speaking, I am not entirely sure. This is the largest amount of money that has ever had any direct connection to myself. The times where a dollar felt like a million bucks are not far behind me. My first paycheck, of a mere $300 something dollars, made me feel like I had found the key to a lifetime of wealth and good fortune. And even though it is surely going to be a challenge, there is no idea I am unwilling to try, no person I am unwilling to talk to and no amount of work that I am unwilling to perform to make this dream a reality.

Besides saving money from my current job, I also have a few fundraising events up my sleeve (more details to come). I am looking for odd jobs to do and tightening my belt when it concerns my Starbucks habit. My UWP counselor suggested that I write to local businesses and service organizations  requesting sponsorships or donations of their services. I took his advice and I have been researching local companies and institutions that may be able to assist me (if you have any ideas please let me know). Through a gargantuan amount of hard work and lots of networking, I am confident that I will be able to earn my way to this journey.

What comes after step one? Now that is a question for another day. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and choosing to travel down this road with me.