20 Apr 2015 A dream come true: UCA student seeks help with travel expenses

by Sonja J. Keith
Mike Kemp photos

Libby Speck is planning to share her once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Europe with others while raising money to help offset her trip expenses.

A 2013 graduate of Conway High School, Libby is a member of the Norbert O’ Schedler Honors College at the University of Central Arkansas. She is pursuing a double major in criminology and English with plans to become a crime scene technician and do investigative work.

The Honors College — with its opportunities to travel and study abroad — was a big consideration in Libby’s college choice. “That was a big selling point for going to UCA.”

Through the Honors College, Libby applied in October for a TAG (travel abroad grant) for the trip. She received an early Christmas present when she was notified two days before the holiday that three-fourths of the trip expense would be covered with a grant. “I am so grateful for this amazing grant, but I still have some money left to raise. I plan on keeping a blog, so your donation would allow you to follow me through Europe.”

The trip — the EF College Break Grand Tour of Europe — will be complete with a guide. “EF College Break is a tour company that gives college students the opportunity to go abroad without paying an exorbitant amount of money,” Libby said.

The group will leave Friday, May 8, and return Saturday, June 6, visiting eight countries along the way. “It will be an adventure.”

Libby will be making the trip with her two roommates, Ashley Wofford of Conway and Chelsey Smith of Wynne. They will be among 20 to 30 college students on the tour. “We will get to meet lots of people from a lot of different places,” Libby said.

The tour company has already set up a Facebook page for the trip participants to get to know one another.

The trip begins in London, which Libby expects will be her favorite destination. The group will spend three or four days at each location before traveling to the next destination. This will be Libby’s first trip abroad.

Libby’s parents, Kelly and Tom, served in the military. Her mom’s travel was limited to Hawaii while her father traveled to other places in the world. She remembers his stories about his travel abroad and looks forward to sharing her own experiences.

“I want to expand my world view,” Libby said, adding that she wants to soak in the culture, enjoy the food and see places that she has read about in textbooks. “I want to stand where famous people have stood.”

Other stops include Paris, Provence and the French Riviera in France; Brussels, Belgium; Frankfurt, Germany; Lucerne, Switzerland; Venice, Florence and Rome, Italy; and Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. “I will get to see important historical sites such as Oxford, Stonehenge, Versailles, the Anne Frank House, the Roman Colosseum and many, many, more!”

To help fund similar trips, Honors College students have turned to gofundme, and Libby is following suit. To show support, visit GoFundMe.com/LibbySpeck.

Libby plans to write a blog about her trip, updating it every couple of days. The group will be traveling by bus equipped with internet access.

Libby will be posting an introductory blog on Gofundme with an opportunity for individuals to make a donation to continue on the journey. “That way they can feel like they were part of me getting to go over there.”

Being an English major, Libby also thought a blog would be a good way to look back on and share her experience. “It combines a love of writing and travel. I think it would be a perfect match.”

The cost of the trip is about $6,000, which includes travel, lodging and food. She lacks about $500 to pay for the trip. Any additional funds would be used to pay for excursions and other personal expenses.

“I would be so grateful to those who would help support my dream. Any amount will help me out.”

Libby recommends the Honors College to high school students and feels that it has enriched her college experience. She said many of the classes are small in size, allowing more opportunity for interaction and discussion.

In addition to the trip in May-June, Libby will have an opportunity to study abroad in England during her senior year. “This is Part 1 (the trip),” she said. “I’ll be over there, living in England.”

As a young child, Libby dreamed of going to Europe. Thanks to the Honors College, that dream will become a reality soon.

“This trip will make all of my dreams come true,” she said.