Hi everyone! When I tell friends and family that I'm studying international development, the response is always, "what is that?" Well, I finally have the perfect example of international development in practice! I've recently been selected to join 5 fellow students from Northumbria University as part of a volunteer placement opportunity. This summer, I will be spending 8 weeks in Lusaka, Zambia as a 'Basketball Development Officer;' in other words, I'll be using sport as a tool to educate and positively impact people’s lives and to help develop sporting opportunities for local Zambian people.

Alongside my experiences in the classroom, my current journey through ACL reconstruction and recovery has propelled me to to take this leap outside of my comfort zone. As much as I love playing basketball, coaching young girls while I could not play showed me firsthand the significant role that a coach can play on and off the court. I love the x's and o's of basketball, but what I find the most fulfilling is using my background and privilege to positively impact lives. As such, this opportunity embodies the combination of my top passions- helping others, basketball, and seeing the world.

In order to make this vital step in my career possible, I must first raise some money. Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated, and if you are not in a position to contribute, spreading the word/link means just as much! Thank you in advance for your support, and I look forward to sharing my adventures with you all :)