Driven and Involved

It's a small BIG world

Without my experiences in other counties, meeting diverse cultures, religions, and societal identities, I would not be who I am today--nor have the same passion to work with people to live socially and environmentally responsible lives. 

My thing with Traveling...

It was January 2006, I was a sophomore and I was accepted into the month-long experience in the country of Namibia to study Human Rights and Development.  The class was titled, Literature, and the instructor: Barbara Temple-Thursten.  Little did I know at the time, but this experience would resonate in and throughout the rest of my life as a source of pain and exhilaration.  Learning about the need for infrastructural development in this newly independent country gave me a heart and will power to pursue what is often called the "international community".  Throughout ventures to townships, homes and churches, I began to learn more about the economic situation of this country.  The result of this and my post reflections gave me the capacity to conceptualize what my role, my calling, my "vocation" is...it is the question that pulled on my heart strings as I played with the beautiful children, "what am I doing with my one wild and precious life?" 

The initial trip to Africa that only lasted for January was not enough.  I wanted more of the African soil to walk on and to absorb more of the cultures and lifestyles across the globe.  Seeking this experience again, I decided to study in South Africa for the fall of my senior year.  There, my focus was on Multiculturalism and Social Change.  The complexities of South Africa's context, in comparison with Namibia, was more focussed on the socio-political debates and turmoil for equality.  Due to apartheid, much of the country is still seeking to have rights and injustices reconciled. This experience was necessary as I learned how important not only going away to study and immerse in another country creates value and a wider global perspective, but also the opportunity to focus on what my priorities and relationships are important to me. 

I have no doubt, I will be back to Africa.  I also desire to go to Vietnam, India, and South America one day.