In September this year I will be heading out to Costa Rica for 10 weeks to start off my gap year volunteering with The Leap, a recognised organisation which supports gap year projects. This is part of my year out, when I will be exploring the world and aiming to understand further the problems facing the environment while having an active role in combating them. I am also currently organising a work placement in Spain for later in the year to improve my Spanish.

I will be helping with conservation efforts in the area including monitoring afforestation and soil erosion, cleaning the beaches and patrolling beaches to protect the turtles during the hatching season. I am also having 2 hours of Spanish tuition a day so that my Spanish becomes fluent before I go back to University.

In addition to this I will be working with the local community to educate the children in the local school about the importance of conserving their environment along with teaching English and helping children learn to swim.

Anyone who knows me, knows this project is in line with what I want to do in the long term, combining business and conservation to make a difference. I will be grateful for any donation given no matter how big or small.

I have been working hard to save money for this trip by working at YMCA Fairthorne and Dim-T Restaurant in Winchester along with babysitting and other jobs and have saved over £2,500 already.

I would really appreciate some help to get over the line! I promise to Vlog my progress and give you all a shout out on social media.

Thank you in advance for your support, Kathryn :)