Hi, my name is Ryan Doran. I'm 16 years old and a 10th grader at Sehome High School. As a student I love to study math and science, and I am an active member of my school's Science Olympiad team. I also love to run track and cross country. Last summer I went to the Junior Olympics for the 800 meter sprint. I also play the violin in my school's orchestra. I've traveled before but never this far or for a community service purpose, but I am really looking forward to the experience to embark on a trip that will not only positively effect my life but also the lives of others. Fundraising for an international service trip is slightly out of my comfort zone. But traveling for the purpose of helping people in need is just what I want to do. The Rustic Pathways service trip Rice Fields, Monks, and Smiling Children is a perfect opportunity to help families in Thailand. Another great part of this trip is that I can grow as a person through over fifty hours of community service. I know that from this service trip I will be able to take the life experiences I'll learn in Thailand and apply them into my daily life. I'll be able to take the mindset used to feed and build homes for disadvantaged families and use it in my academics, sports, and social life. I want to be able to say I did something truly amazing for the community this summer and I know this trip would be just that.