By Cameron Fairchild
For the Auburn Reporter

Jonna Baker has spent the first 18 years of her life exploring her passion for music and the arts, and now the Auburn Riverside High School graduate – and future Pacific Lutheran University student – is looking to unleash that passion on the world.

Last year, Baker was selected as a candidate for Up With People (UWP), an American education organization dedicated to community service and fostering global unity by enlisting musicians to participate in a global musical tour, as well as providing a study abroad opportunity to its students.

Naturally, the organization intrigued Baker.

“Music is the most universal language,” she said, “which makes it the perfect the medium to promote a global society.”

Baker, a band student since fifth grade and former band council president at Auburn Riverside, considers music a “comfort and inspiration,” and even quips, “(Music) has slowly taken over my life.”

Only one problem persists for the burgeoning musician: UWP comes with a tuition fee of $18,000, a price tag for which Baker has been working since last September to raise enough money.

To supplement her Go Fund Me page Baker has led a spare coin jar campaign, a Christmas gift wrapping service, and has sold homemade goods, such as homemade plum jam and handmade sugar scrub.

Baker continues to work for Brown Bear Car Wash, and is making plans to host a bake sale, board game tournament and a silent auction in an effort to raise the remaining sum.

As Baker puts it, “My summer is currently booked by garage sales and car washes.”

Regardless of these efforts, Baker still remains over $14,000 shy of her goals.

Baker remains optimistic.

“For so many people, chasing their dreams isn’t even an option,” she said. “The possibilities of this world amaze me and I want to play a part in it.”

Baker’s campaign can be donated to through her Go Fund Me page or her PayPal account, and can be reached at jonnabaker97@hotmail.com.