Oregon Student Starts Inspiration Campaign To Travel Abroad

Boxes of candy and other goodies were stacked on Nicole Hamilton’s dining room table in her home at the Victorian Condominiums in Medford. The novice event planner brainstormed an idea just days ago and is already at work.

Her goal: to inspire.

Hamilton, an eighth grader at , was chosen for the People to People Student Ambassador Program Summer 2012 trip to France, Italy, and Greece for 20 days. With the help of her mother, Sharon, she has created an awareness campaign called “Just Inspire” to raise funds for the trip.

Nicole hopes that showing how she is working to accomplish her goal to earn her way to Europe will inspire others to chase their own aspirations. 

“We took two words that we thought would work,” Nicole said. “We want to inspire others so their dreams and goals can come true too.”

Nicole was nominated three times for the program anonymously, the first time in sixth grade and again in seventh, but Sharon was concerned about her young daughter traveling abroad.

Now, with the support of friends, family, the Medford Chamber of Commerce, and the Patchogue-Medford School District, both Hamiltons are looking forward to reaching their goal of $7000 through donations, “Just Inspire” merchandise, and interactive events.

Sharon said many local businesses have offered discounts and coupons in honor of Nicole.

“They’re getting their name out there to help the community, and at the same time, helping Nicole,” she said.

According to Nicole, 40 students are chosen for the summer program and are accompanied by translators, a medical staff, and teachers. The delegates will get to experience stay at home visits, visit historic landmarks, and immerse themselves in a new culture.

People to People started 50 years ago and the objective is to break boundaries and teach children about life abroad. Nicole is looking forward to getting in touch with her ancestral roots.

“Italy, France, and Greece is where half of my family is from, so when I got the letter I was like ‘Mom, I want to go so bad,’” Nicole said. “We’ll get to see what their lifestyle is like and study their culture in fun ways.”

The "Just Inspire" website went live earlier this week, and Nicole is working hard to publicize the events through Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube video posts. She has currently raised $279 from neighborhood donations.

Sharon said People to People encourages their ambassadors to raise money for the program to learn about fundraising. She had initially suggested an anti-bullying campaign to Nicole, who said everyone can be touched by inspiration and felt “Just Inspire” was the best concept to use.

“[Nicole] was the one who made the decision she wanted to do this, she never hesitated and she never looked back,” Sharon said. “I’m very excited for her, she’s completely determined, and that’s made me determined to help her.”

For more information on “Just Inspire,” how to donate, and a list of upcoming events, visit her website at nicolesjourney.com.