It's such a good feel into know that I am finally going on an international volunteer trip. This is such meshing I've been wanting to do seriously for about 10 years now.
I first learned about international volunteerism from my mother. She was in the peace corps in the 1970s and tells amazing stories about her experience. I've always been fascinated by courage and spirit of adventure. When she went, there were no cell phones it Internet. She really did jet off on an adventure by herself. She made lasting friendships and I believe that experience really shaped her into the person she is today.
In high school I continued to play with the idea of volunteering abroad and in college I studied abroad twice - once in Kenya once in London. Studying abroad really solidified my desire to volunteer, but the thought of leaving home for 2 years was scary and my teaching career was just beginning. So I put the idea on the back burner. About a year ago, I decided I was finally ready to take the plunge, I was all set to leave for a year of volunteering as a teacher and then I found this opportunity. Six weeks - perfect.
Over the years, the discussions about international volunteerism I have has with many people, my family included, are honest. We talk about both the pros and cons and how to be a responsible volunteer. We talk about the politics of being an American abroad. These discussions helped me work through some of my reservations about volunteering abroad when there are so many ways I could help closer to home. But all in all, my whole family has encouraged a supported my desire to travel and volunteer abroad. My friends are behind me. Most importantly, I'm finally ready!
I first learned about international volunteerism from my mother. She was in the peace corps in the 1970s and tells amazing stories about her experience. I've always been fascinated by courage and spirit of adventure. When she went, there were no cell phones it Internet. She really did jet off on an adventure by herself. She made lasting friendships and I believe that experience really shaped her into the person she is today.
In high school I continued to play with the idea of volunteering abroad and in college I studied abroad twice - once in Kenya once in London. Studying abroad really solidified my desire to volunteer, but the thought of leaving home for 2 years was scary and my teaching career was just beginning. So I put the idea on the back burner. About a year ago, I decided I was finally ready to take the plunge, I was all set to leave for a year of volunteering as a teacher and then I found this opportunity. Six weeks - perfect.
Over the years, the discussions about international volunteerism I have has with many people, my family included, are honest. We talk about both the pros and cons and how to be a responsible volunteer. We talk about the politics of being an American abroad. These discussions helped me work through some of my reservations about volunteering abroad when there are so many ways I could help closer to home. But all in all, my whole family has encouraged a supported my desire to travel and volunteer abroad. My friends are behind me. Most importantly, I'm finally ready!
No comments:
Post a Comment