Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work with the youth of South Africa. Policies in the past denied the majority of young men and women opportunities to develop meaningfully as young people and transit into meaningful adulthood.The country continues to struggle with youth development in the areas of skills development, unemployment, youth training, and academic achievement. Our partner organization aims to focus on providing learning opportunities that align with the national initiatives.
I wanted to share some of my emotions that I am feeling as this experience gets closer and closer.
*I feel stressed because I am in the middle of my last semester of college, trying to sublet my apartment, trying to find new housing for next year, fighting off sickness after sickness, moving out right before I leave for my trip, AND trying to make sure all the details for this trip are in order.
*I feel nervous and scared because I have never flown by myself or been out of the country by myself. I am also nervous for culture shock going to Africa, but also coming home as well. Sometimes people have a hard time adjusting when they come home too. I am also nervous about getting all the details in order. Another thing I’m nervous about is the actual teaching part. However, for all these nerves, excitement overrides.
Now, for the great overwhelming good feelings:
*I feel blessed to have the family, friends, and boyfriend in my life that I do. All the “not so good” emotions above are drastically decreased because of their help and support.
*I am amazed and shocked that I actually get the opportunity to go to Africa. I thought this would be something that I always talked about doing but never ended up doing and regretting later, but it is only a few months from happening!
*Last, of course, I feel extremely excited about so many aspects of this trip. I am excited to independently travel to another country, learn about the culture and people that I will get to live with for six weeks, encounter new experiences, and I’m excited to learn a lot from all of these aspects!
The beautiful nature of South Africa is also something that I’m ecstatic about! If you’re reading this, then you probably know that I like animals… just a little bit ? I am going to do everything in my power to find a safari to go on.
I am excited to volunteer my time to the school that I will be at as well. I will have graduated from the UofM when this comes, and I can finally put my four-year degree of Elementary Education to work.
When I first tell people that I am doing this, a lot of reactions are similar to “O wow that’s great you’re going to help them”, and this is true, but I have really had my eyes open to the fact that this is beyond me helping “them”. This is really a two-way experience. I look forward to learning so much from the people I meet and the experiences I have during these six weeks. I’m just going to be like a sponge throughout this time: just trying to soak up and enjoy every moment.
I may update this again before I leave, but I’m not sure. I’m going to use this almost just like a journal, but also as means of communication to people while I am away.
Cambodia
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Ethiopia
Ghana
Guatemala
India
Kenya
Machu Picchu
Nepal
Panama
Peru
Philippines
Rwanda
South Africa
South Dakota
Thailand
Uganda
Vietnam
Vietnam Cycling