My name is Amanda Rabe. I am a high school senior facing the biggest opportunity of my life thus far. I have been admitted to Wellesley College! But I can’t afford it. This really is a dream for me and I am asking you for help to get there.

I am devoted to service, science, and athletics. For the past four years, I have volunteered as an attorney for Teen Court of Santa Fe County, defending my peers and advocating for their finding a better path. It’s something that I take a lot of pride in, not just because I’m placed in a leadership position, but because it’s my opportunity to interact and give back to the community I’ve grown up in.

My dream is to explore bio-genetics and find cures to currently incurable diseases. Last summer, I was an intern at the National Center for Genome Resources. There I learned about how cells mutate, often as healing mechanisms, e.g., cells adapting to malaria-ridden regions by mutating or collapsing into a sickle-shaped cell to fend off the protozoan parasites, which in turn developed into what is now known as sickle cell anemia. I am fascinated by this process and wish to further pursue this dynamic of cell mutation with a view to preempt and heal.

I know that at Wellesley I could get a top-rate education—and I also would be playing basketball for them. I’ve been playing basketball since the third grade, and it truly is one of my greatest passions. I’ve been elected as team captain, most valuable player, and all-district several times in my high school career, and Coach Kathy Hagerstrom at Wellesley has granted one of my earliest wishes; to play college basketball. She seems almost as excited about me playing for her team as I am! Unfortunately, as a Division III school, they aren’t allowed to offer athletic scholarships.

So I’m turning to my friends, family, and the community that has helped raise me for help. I hope this isn’t an imposition, but if you could spare a contribution of ten dollars (any sum, large or small, helps my cause immensely,) and pass this link along to any of your friends or family members who may be willing to impart a small donation, my goals and aspirations may be within my reach. Thank you for your time, your attention, and I hope, your benefaction.

Sincerely,

Amanda Rabe