Jan 25, 2024

Detroit, MI

I wanted to express my gratitude towards the Petersen Promise Fund which is a generous donation given to Racquet Up Detroit. Racquet Up is an after-school program that I joined in the fith grade. It combines squash and academics aiming to instile confidence in Detroit adolescents. For me, it has been a strong pillar of support at every stage. They were able to help fund my semester abroad in Ecuador through the Petersen Family’s generosity. It only felt right to start off this series with a ‘Thank you’.

Letter to the Petersen Family

Dear Petersen Family,

I hope this note finds you well. I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible gift you’ve provided me through the Petersen Promise Fund. Spending a semester abroad in Ecuador is an amazing opportunity. I have always wanted to travel and explore the world to become more than my circumstances and succeed in my goals. Though I have loved my time learning Spanish and honing my scientific skills, financial issues have plagued my experiences in college and life. This is why I am grateful that the Petersen Promise Fund gifted to Racquet Up Detroit was able to make its way into my life and lift a significant financial burden, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my academic and personal growth. I am able to study abroad with the School for International Training (SIT) because of your help. I expect this semester to be a transformative experience regardless of the ups and downs that may follow my transition. I am grateful that I can experience this journey.

For the next four months, I will be studying in the Comparative Ecology and Conservation program with SIT from February 4th to May 18th, 2024. During this time I will be perfecting my Spanish and growing my skills in scientific communication. This will all be encapsulated in an independent research project. I am beyond ecstatic to be able to experience this milestone in my career. As an aspiring geologist, this opportunity will allow me to broaden my horizons and gain valuable knowledge about the world we live in. With Ecuador’s immense biodiversity and beautiful forests, I will not only be progressing in my education but also growing spiritually through enriching experiences with my homestay family as well as other friends I make along the way.

Again I would like to thank you, the gift given by the Peterson Promise Fund is greatly appreciated and will make a large impact on my life going forward. I hope to make myself and my family proud and return to school in the coming fall of 2024 with invaluable knowledge and experiences that will lead me to graduation and grant me an open mind as I pursue graduate school and/or a career. I am deeply thankful for your support.

¡Saludos!

Nay Woodley