Hi, my name is Victoria Llerenas and I’m currently a senior at the University of West Florida studying for my bachelors in Biological Sciences. Thanks to the Biology department at UWF I was selected for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study abroad for 12 days in the remote islands of the Galápagos. The focus of the project is tortoise biology and Galapagos wildlife conservation. For anyone who has known me, you know how deep of a passion I have for biological science as well as animals. Ever since I was a little girl I have had a deep interest in the Galápagos island as they are the cradle for the theory of evolution. This opportunity to grant me hands-on knowledge and valuable experience in the field I can take with me to further my career as a STEM student and one day a biologist. The money raised through this fundraiser will go towards helping me pay the tuition cost for the course, airfare to Ecuador, room/board and any materials that I will need to provide during the cost. I am currently working three jobs to try and save up the money myself but I still have rent and bills to pay so any help really goes a long way! I am happy to share my itinerary so that you know exactly how your donations will be spent: Day 1-2: Arrive in Quito and travel to the Galapagos. one night will be spent in a local hotel and the following morning we will catch an early flight to Santa Cruz Island. Day 3-4: Monitoring tortoises in the highlands Study tortoise biology, anatomy, and ecology. We will also take this time to locate wild giant Galapagos tortoises and collect biometric data Day 5: Highland Restoration This day will be spent restoring and protecting the islands highlands by managing invasive giant African snails and studying their effect on the ecosystem. Day 6-7: Exploration of Santa Cruz We will hike to torture bay and conduct micro plastic surveys and explore the Charles Darwin Foundation. Day 8-9: Journey to Isabella Island We will snorkel in the Galapagos Marine Reserve with marine iguanas and other rare species native to the park. Then we will visit Arnold's Tupiza Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. Day 10: Cultural Exchange The day will be spent with the mola mola eco club where we will learn about their efforts to protect the Galápagos Islands Day 11: Begin departure from the islands Depart from the islands and fly to Quito, Ecuador Day 12: Bid farewell to Ecuador and return home. Any help towards my goal is deeply appreciated and from the bottom of my heart, I can not thank those who even take the time to read this and engage with my fundraiser. I also work part-time as a graphic designer freelancer and artist and am planning to sell my art to help fund the travel costs. Those who donate to my campaign will receive personal thank you and photos of the Galápagos Islands that I will take on my visit there. Thank you so much! -Tori Llerenas
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