Ok, ok, REAL purpose

Alright, sorry its been so long. I promise I haven't just been slacking!
So just to expand on my rather hurried first post, I am Ashley Marie. When I was going into 6th grade I decided to switch to going by Marie- partially because it was french- and now it mostly confuses my friend's parents "Should I call you Ashley? Or Marie? Or Ashley Marie?" Whoops.
I am a sophomore at the Liberal Arts and Science Academy. School is hectic, but I enjoy learning and the work is worth it- we have some of the best teachers there could possibly be. I love learning anything and everything I can, and this is my drive in going to France. I have grown up in the same house in the same city, and I have learned so many lessons here. By now though, I feel like I need a new challenge in order grow as a person. Isn't experience what makes old people wise? I feel that in order to understand the world one must experience it. How could I understand something I have never known? As such travel is my life goal, and France seems like as good a place as any to start. More importantly, it will open opportunities for more travel for me. It will solidify the language I have been working on for the past 6 years enabling me to travel more easily to many french-speaking countries and I will be able to understand what it feels like to insert yourself into a new culture.
Unfortunately, as already mentioned, this is far from free. I have been saving my whole life (that is my personality) and my grandparents have helped enormously, but I still have a few thousand to go. I am applying for a scholarship, trying to organize fund raising, and working every day in the summer after school but it isn't going to be enough. I appreciate anything and everything you guys can do to help.
So... to sponsor my blog entry please click the little chip in button.
Thank you!