Why SAS? And some other questions I have been asked about a zillion times.

Why SAS?

Short answer: I’m all about seeing new cultures to gain a better world perspective.

Long answer: I have been fortunate enough to have had many great experiences in my college career that led me to meet people who have inspired me to go on this voyage.  From all my global perspective professors that have shown me just how big this world really is, to my down to earth roommates that have taught me life is all about the journey you make it.  This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I just could not pass up.  I chose this voyage in particular (each voyage goes to different places in the world) because I felt I would be exposed to cultures that I most likely would not have a chance to see otherwise and push me beyond my comfort zone.  As much as I’d love to spend more time in each country, I am so happy I at least get a glimpse of many different cultures versus doing a “traditional” study abroad program in one country. I have many years ahead of me to go explore Europe, but at this moment in my life I felt that this program best suited my expectations of a study abroad program and values in life. 

Where am I most excited to visit?

The places I’m most excited to visit are Brazil, India, and Ghana.  Brazil because I love the Brazilian spirit of life. India because ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to go (this may or may not be because of the movie A Little Princess).  Ghana because I think this will be the place I realize just how lucky I am to have all the opportunities and privileges I have had in my life.

What are my goals for this trip?

I don’t think I should have many goals for this trip. It’ll be a learning experience, most of which I couldn’t even fathom at the moment. But my American mind that demands all the answers can’t help but kick in while reflecting on these upcoming months. What will I learn? What can I do to prepare myself for situations I’ll be put into? How will this affect my future choices in life? I will try my best to go into it with only one goal in mind, stop trying to prepare so much for the future and enjoy moments as they come and react with my heart to the unknown.

How do I plan on making a difference?

This is a question I feel should be asked not only during big events in a person’s life such as this, but every day when you wake up.  I realize I am no Oprah Winfrey, so making a difference on a small level will have to suffice for me.  This didn’t stop me from taking this question seriously and this is the best answer I have been able to come up with: The way I plan to make a difference in this world is to put a smile on at least one person’s face every day. A smile can do wonders for a person.  This is something I’ve been living by for many years now and I fully plan to carry out this habit during my trip.

PS #1. I have NO idea what the internet situation will be when I get there.  I will try my best to post as much as possible, but I can say with pretty good certainty it will not be daily, or even weekly.  Also, they said loading pictures takes up a lot of minutes, i.e. money, of our given amount of internet usage, so you may have to wait until May to see pictures.

PS #2. I realize I need to brush up on my writing skills…just bear with me.

PS #3. I do not know what these next months will bring for me so I have no idea what this blog will become.  I will try my best to make it worthwhile to read while you should be doing your work or homework, but on that note please refer back to PS #2.