Local Student Raises More Than $1,400 to Study Ecosystems in Rainforest

Jesi Hessong of Fairfax has always dreamed of studying abroad—and now, thanks to the generosity of people who have donated through the website GoFundMe, she has almost reached her goal.

On her GoFundMe page, Jesi writes, "I have wanted to study aboard my entire life and I'm finally getting the chance. Through my Tropical Ecosystems class I will be taking in the spring there is an optional field studies portion that takes place for 7-10 days in Costa Rica. I will be able to participate in various types of field work in the rain forest of Costa Rica!"

Jesi wrote that this was the most economical option for her to reach her dream of studying abroad.

As of Wednesday, Jesi had already raised more than $1,400 in just 29 days toward her $2,000 goal. She has had roughly 30 donations, many of them anonymous.

One anonymous donor who contributed $205 wrote simply, "Travel is very close to my heart, so here is money to live your dream."

To read more about Jesi and contribute to her cause, visit her GoFundMe page here.

To see other campaigns being run by Fairfax residents, see Fairfax City Patch's local GoFundMe page here.

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