My name is Victor Shmulevich. I am 15 years old, and an 11th-grade student at the Westside School in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia.

I was recently accepted into the Yale Young Global Scholars summer program for Outstanding High School Students at Yale University. I was fortunate to be admitted into the session of my choice, the International Affairs and Security session (http://globalscholars.yale.edu/programs/international-affairs-security). This session “is designed for students interested in international relations and security studies to develop the skills needed to engage with an increasingly interconnected world. The session challenges students to think strategically and negotiate potential responses to complex international dilemmas by drawing from a wide range of historical and contemporary issues.”

It truly is a unique opportunity for a high school student like me – to learn from Ivy League professors, and spend two weeks among some of the most ambitious and hardworking high school and college students from around the globe. I view this tremendous personal privilege also as an opportunity to represent my high school and community at this storied institution.

I first discovered my love and passion for international diplomacy in 2016, after attending my first Model United Nations conference. The preparation involved prior to the conference itself is what first opened my eyes to the true vastness and range of international relations. The world was no longer “black and white,” “good or bad” for me. It was instead, a plethora of colors that signified why a nation or organization was acting in a certain way, how conflicts evolved, why certain conflicts continue to plague our world, and much, much more.

I realized that researching, analyzing, and debating world issues was more than just an idle interest for me. I began to consider academic paths in international diplomacy. My goal now is to study law, with a focus on international law in graduate school.

The Yale Young Global Scholars program fits perfectly with my academic and career aspirations and is an immense opportunity. However, the tuition for this 2-week program is $5,800 USD. This includes instruction, housing in one of Yale’s historic residential colleges, and three meals a day. Travel cost is not included in the tuition. I understand that program cost is very high and I would like to try to raise some funds to avoid heavy financial burden to my family.

The overall cost of the program, including tuition, transportation, and other expenses totals to $7,300 USD ($9,800 CAD). I put all my savings and my family assisted as well. I need to raise the remaining $5,000 USD ($6,700 CAD) if I am to go to this exciting program.

I am therefore looking for assistance in raising funds to help me cover the cost of this amazing experience, and would very much appreciate your consideration. Your support would allow me to take part in an experience that could play a pivotal role in taking me one step closer to that goal.