Bree Lewis is raising money so she can travel to Thailand, teaching English to kids.
COARSEGOLD — It’s always nice to hear what our kids are up to once they leave the immediate area and head off to college, or wherever their plans may take them.
In the case of Bree Lewis, Yosemite High School Class of 2015, the news is that she’s currently a sophomore at San Diego State University pursuing Liberal Studies-Elementary Education.
The best news, possibly, is that the compassion Bree learned while living in the foothills has only grown since she’s been away, and soon will lead her across the globe on behalf of others.
Bree’s parents Jason and Amanda Lewis still live in Coarsegold with younger sister Sabrina. Meanwhile, from college down south, Bree is raising money in order to travel for the purpose of teaching English to children in Thailand.
She has pledged to follow an altruistic life-path in the future, one that seems to have originated right here in the mountains, thanks to the schools and community here, where Bree grew up.
“I come from a small town that values the importance of education through life lessons and the power of kindness,” writes Bree on her GoFundMe page.
“The goodwill, tolerance, and grace given to me by many of my teachers and community members inspired me to strive to be a person who touches others and has a positive impact on the world.”
Recently, Bree was given the opportunity to volunteer abroad in Thailand for six weeks through a program called AIESEC, which collaborates with San Diego State University.
AIESEC offers “a global platform for young people to explore and develop their leadership potential,” according to its website.
“We are a non-political, independent, not-for-profit organization run by students and recent graduates of institutions of higher education. Members are interested in world issues, leadership and management. AIESEC does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion or national or social origin.”
Under the auspices of AIESEC, Bree will leave the country for the first time in her life on Friday, Dec. 23. Arriving in Thailand, she will undergo a two-day briefing on Thai culture and the routine of the program.
Boy in Thailand (Pixabay)
“I will be stationed at a provence about an hour away from Bankok. For the next six weeks I will be at a school in rural Thailand, helping teach children basic English, grammar, and more about the American culture.”
Recruited by a fellow student volunteer who was eager to share the experience, Bree is already a passionate advocate for the program.
“With the way the world is today, the human race as a whole is in desperate need of altruism and, through the power of giving selflessly without the expectation of having anything reciprocated to us, we can undoubtedly change the world,” Bree believes.
The former Badger is sounding the bell far and wide to let people know she’s raising money on her own to finance her participation in the program.
“I have estimated the trip will be around 2,000 dollars, but the experience and impact it will have on my life will be priceless,” Bree notes.
As a part-time Alumni Engagement Officer on campus in San Diego, Bree is already working her way toward these goals, knowing her wfforts will make the trip more valuable.
She encourages anyone with questions about the program to contact her through the fundraising page, even if it’s just to learn more.
“If donating any amount is something you would be interested in, it would be going towards not only me, but the children who desperately need the power of education. It would be a gift that would touch hearts for a lifetime.”
Bree Lewis’ GoFundMe page to support Thailand teaching program.
