On December 5, 2009, I officially became a college graduate. The road has been long and tough, but through God and with the love of my family and friends...I've made it.

I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of myself. There were several times when I could have given up, but I knew there were a ton of people depending on me.

But you know who I am more proud of? Who I can't help but admire?

The millions of people that walk miles every day just to get water to drink. The children that skip primary school to lug 40-pound Jerry Cans on their backs. The family members that try to nurse their brothers and sisters back to health after a waterborne illness has infected them.

I've worked pretty hard, yes - but it pales in comparison to what millions of people do just to stay alive.

I want to help them. My mission is to raise $500 in the next three months. I'm asking that anyone that would've given me gifts for my achievement instead recognizes their struggle by donating to clean water projects. Every penny you give will go straight to building wells in developing nations.

As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I have dedicated my life to serving others. So, in true "Ashley Danielle" form...I have adopted a new group of people who are depending on me to succeed.

Just like I will soon have my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication to mark my success, we'll be able to track the community we affected after the campaign has finished.

You've given me support for so many years so that I could achieve something incredible. Now, I'm asking that you support people who need it more than me.

Help me make a dent in the global water crisis.


*hugs and love*
~Ashley Danielle