I have been super fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel to a number of incredible places over the past four years. These experiences have taught me about worlds that are very different than my own. In visiting these places I have learned more about myself as well. I have gained a sense of independence, an appreciation for other cultures, and a desire to explore more! 

 

South Africa

My first experience out of the country (other than to Canada) was to South Africa through the Climate Change Mosaic.  It was a three week long trip in which I actually experienced much more than South African culture because I was thrown into this international confrence with delegates from all over the world.  This trip was a wonderful combination of academics, adventure, and service. We spent two weeks interview delegates and doing research for our projects, but we took a weekend safari trip.  Then for the last week of our trip we volunteered at a Children's Village and went hiking. 

 

Ecuador

Inspired by my trip to South Africa, I decided to spend a summer volunteering in Ecuador. For six and a half weeks I volunteered, explored, and learned about the beautiful and diverse country of Ecuador. My travels took me to the mountains and to the rainforest. I worked with young kids in an after school program and animals in a wildlife refuge. It was whorlwind six and half weeks! 

 

Tanzania

After experiencing South Africa and Ecuador, I realized that I wanted more of a cultural component to my abroad experience. As a science major, I wanted to attend a field school which would give me valuable experience while also enhancing my academics. For this reason, I chose the School for Field Studies (SFS) program in East Africa. That was the best decision I could have made! It was an incredible semester. 

 

One thing I have learned over the past four years is that you experience the most growth when you are out of your element. Each of my travel experiences have pushed me. I have learned how to live in a world very foreign to my own. I have learned how to be adaptable when plans don't go quite right. Most importantly, I have learned how to be part of a community, leave my mark, and not just leave. I still keep in touch with my host family from Ecuador and my family now sponsors one of the kids that I worked with. While it's not the same as being there and continuing to volunteer, it is the best I can do. I have learned to always think really hard about the impact that I am having on the communities in which I volunteer. Upon reflection, I learned that volunteering in a place for a week might be helpful. It is more important that once the week is over, that I do not stop thinking about the people. It is important that I continue to contribute to the community.