Staff Reports
Lower Lake >> Madison Serpa, a junior at Lower Lake High, has been accepted into the Loop Abroad summer Program in Thailand. She was accepted based on her academic record, professional references, demonstrated interests in giving unselfishly and learning about leadership. During her 4-week journey, she will be attending the “High School Veterinary Program and the Experience Thailand: Elephants” sessions. While there she will be volunteering and working alongside veterinarians to care, diagnose and treat the animals at the dog rescue and elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Skills she learned in her high school Early Childhood Education classes will be put to use as she will also be teaching students English at the local elementary school and in return they will teach her about their culture.
Her interest in this program is all about her love of animals. She has had a strong interest in working with animals since she was little including her work with the local kennel club, time as a junior handler as well as volunteering with a variety of rescue foundations. Serpa stated that “It’s a little scary thinking about being in Thailand for four weeks, but I feel this program will help me decide if going into this as a career is something that will make me happy and if it’s what I’m meant to do in my life. But more importantly, I hope to find my voice.”
Serpa needs to raise $4,500 to attend the program. She is also collecting dog collars, leashes and toys to take with her to Thailand. Upon her return, sponsors will receive a handmade thank you card featuring her personally crafted elephant or paw stamp, plus a handwritten note and photo of her work in Thailand.
If you would like to become a sponsor of Serpa’s educational journey, please visit her fundraising page at www.youcaring.com and search for Madison Serpa. Donations can also be mailed to P.O. Box 3071 in Clearlake.
