When I moved to Houston in August, I took a fellowship with The Woods Project, and it is definitely the best decision that I have made in my professional life. And one of the best decisions I've made in my personal life. The Woods Project is a Houston, TX based education non-profit whose mission is to help inner-city high school students build the character traits necessary for success in life through challenging, outdoor experiences.

I have been fortunate enough to lead over 250 students this year during our school club program and weekend trip programs. Some of my students have seen stars in the night sky for the very first time. Many of my students have learned how to pack a backpack, how to set up a tent, and how to work together as a team to build a safe community in the woods. Some of the quotes I heard this year from students were, "I didn't know the world could be this beautiful," and "This trip allowed me to experience peace and quiet for the first time in my life."

Our students are amazing, kind, driven, and come from difficult situations and backgrounds. Our trips show our students what they are capable of accomplishing, and they leave knowing that they have something great to offer the world, with a renewed sense of purpose and a lot less inhibition.

Our year-long program culminates in a two week wilderness trip for our students in either Yosemite, Glacier National Park, or Donner Pass. This trip forces our students to push themselves and grow emotionally, mentally, and physically.  Because of the financial barriers our students face, this trip would not be possible without the generous support of our donors. Walk for The Woods Project, our largest annual fundraiser, helps cover the cost of this trip for our amazing students. This event is coming up on April 23, 2016, and my goal is to raise enough money to send a student on our summer program, which costs $3000. It would mean the world to me if you helped me reach my goal.