My name is Darian Hillaker and I'm 16 years old. Recently, I applied and was accepted into an all girls' writing program in New York City. Not only am I one of 30 girls that was accepted into this selective program, I am the only one from the state of Michigan! This program runs from June 23 to July 7, 2012. The cost of my program is $3,900 and I am also responsible for my means of transportation to and from NYC. I'm required to concentrate on my writing and attend three hours of instruction per day, followed by three hours of intensive writing. To apply I had to fill out a general application, mail in four writing samples, write a personal essay and have two teachers turn in teacher recommendations. After my school denied my request for help with the funding for my trip I began to write to various companies throughout the state of Michigan. As a high school junior I plan on attending school for journalism or creative writing in the fall of 2013. Writing is something I am very serious and passionate about, so if anyone would like to donate money to my trip please contact me.