Hello world! My name is Hannah, and I am a senior studying Family Social Science and Family Violence Prevention here at the University of Minnesota. I cannot believe that we leave for this wonderful adventure in five short days! For some reason, it hasn't hit me yet. I've been so wrapped up in preparing for finals and now for the holidays that this adventure still seems like a far off dream, rather than an approaching reality. As I'm shivering in my room trying to think warm and pack for 80+ degree weather, it's slowly starting to sink in, and I figured this would be the perfect time to write down what I'm feeling, anticipating, and hoping to get out of all of this.
In a way, I feel like this abroad experience was meant to happen for me. As I've shared in our pre-departure meetings, I was originally planning to study abroad in France, over May term in 2011. Finals were approaching, packing had begun, and the money was down. And then it was over. I had been miserably sick with chronic sinus infections and other icky illnesses over the course of spring semester, and antibiotic after antibiotic, things only got worse. I finally met with an ENT/surgeon who told me that there was no way that I would be fly, let along make it through a three-week abroad experience. After various tests and scans I found out I needed to have surgery. I began the appeal process, and never got on the plane to France. I was devastated. I decided it wasn't meant to be, and over time, I realized that wasn't the kind of experience I was really looking for. I began to talk to advisers and other students in my major, and learned about Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change. Throughout my college experience, I have gained both academic and personal passions for social justice issues and frameworks, and because of that, I couldn't possible think of a better or more appropriate learning abroad opportunity.
Throughout this experience, I expect to feel anxious, nervous, uncomfortable, lonely, self-conscious, and even ashamed. I also expect to feel joyous, excited, passionate, compassionate, empowered, and loving, among other positive emotions. I hope that I feel all of these things, and that I am able to work through all of these emotions and new experiences to learn more about myself through the stories of others. I also know that I can't have too many expectations going in to this adventure. My main goals for this trip are to step out of my comfort zone, build positive relationships, and to keep an open mind and heart along the way. Also, if there is ever a time to get over a fear of flying, I guess this is it (EEEEK)! Cape Town, here we come!
Love to you all, and happy holidays!
In a way, I feel like this abroad experience was meant to happen for me. As I've shared in our pre-departure meetings, I was originally planning to study abroad in France, over May term in 2011. Finals were approaching, packing had begun, and the money was down. And then it was over. I had been miserably sick with chronic sinus infections and other icky illnesses over the course of spring semester, and antibiotic after antibiotic, things only got worse. I finally met with an ENT/surgeon who told me that there was no way that I would be fly, let along make it through a three-week abroad experience. After various tests and scans I found out I needed to have surgery. I began the appeal process, and never got on the plane to France. I was devastated. I decided it wasn't meant to be, and over time, I realized that wasn't the kind of experience I was really looking for. I began to talk to advisers and other students in my major, and learned about Tracing the Footsteps of Social Change. Throughout my college experience, I have gained both academic and personal passions for social justice issues and frameworks, and because of that, I couldn't possible think of a better or more appropriate learning abroad opportunity.
Throughout this experience, I expect to feel anxious, nervous, uncomfortable, lonely, self-conscious, and even ashamed. I also expect to feel joyous, excited, passionate, compassionate, empowered, and loving, among other positive emotions. I hope that I feel all of these things, and that I am able to work through all of these emotions and new experiences to learn more about myself through the stories of others. I also know that I can't have too many expectations going in to this adventure. My main goals for this trip are to step out of my comfort zone, build positive relationships, and to keep an open mind and heart along the way. Also, if there is ever a time to get over a fear of flying, I guess this is it (EEEEK)! Cape Town, here we come!
Love to you all, and happy holidays!
Wishing you a fabulous time, Hannah! We love you and can't wait to hear all about this exciting experience.