STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
I would prepare myself to live simply and that I was prepared to be humbled and boy, did that happen."
I wanted to establish “common ground” between the people I encountered and myself. I think I was able to do that. A lot of the people I came in contact with were eager to tell me about themselves and their lifestyles and in exchange, I would do the same. Surprisingly, almost all of the kids I met knew something about America. I was not expecting township children from Diepsloot, South Africa to know anything about Rihanna or Nicki Minaj, or Justin Beiber. That amazed me! In establishing common ground, I do not think my values in interacting with people have changed but only broadened. This experience encouraged me to want to travel the world and talk to strangers and volunteer where needed and experience culture. This experience opened up my eyes to a region in the world that I would not have visited any time soon if it weren’t for GIEU.
My new source of inspiration is all of the children I met and bonded with while in South Africa. They have inspired me to work even harder in pursing my education because I realize that I was taking my opportunities for granted. The children I taught in the primary school did not know the basics, such as ABCs and 123s. They wanted to learn but the concepts and language barrier were just too difficult for them. They inspired me to push through these years in college and to hold on to the relationships that matter because their sense of community was impeccable and admirable. A day has not gone by where I haven’t looked at our photos together and watched the videos we made. I think about them all the time and it makes me want to go back to those same exact places and make a change in the education system when I am the lawyer I am striving to be.
My core beliefs definitely helped me on this trip. I stayed true to myself and always embraced the children with love and care. My personality got me far throughout the trip. I laughed a lot and enjoyed the company of the other students and our leaders. I know I was appreciated and that was a good feeling.
My new source of inspiration is all of the children I met and bonded with while in South Africa. They have inspired me to work even harder in pursing my education because I realize that I was taking my opportunities for granted. The children I taught in the primary school did not know the basics, such as ABCs and 123s. They wanted to learn but the concepts and language barrier were just too difficult for them. They inspired me to push through these years in college and to hold on to the relationships that matter because their sense of community was impeccable and admirable. A day has not gone by where I haven’t looked at our photos together and watched the videos we made. I think about them all the time and it makes me want to go back to those same exact places and make a change in the education system when I am the lawyer I am striving to be.
My core beliefs definitely helped me on this trip. I stayed true to myself and always embraced the children with love and care. My personality got me far throughout the trip. I laughed a lot and enjoyed the company of the other students and our leaders. I know I was appreciated and that was a good feeling.