And just like
that, it`s time to leave. I started this trip with the high hopes that I would
have a positive impact on the people that I came in contact with here, and
while I`m sure that I did, as this was evidenced by the tears that I saw when I
gave my farewells, the impact that these kids and my host family have had on me
has been far greater. During this short trip, I`ve gained a few insights that I
think would be beneficial to anyone thinking about traveling or studying
abroad. When we are resistant and hesitant to immerse ourselves in the big
world around us, when we refuse to recognize that this world offers us the
bountiful opportunities of personal and intellectual growth, we’ve done a grave
injustice to the human experience. In refusing to interact with other people
and explore other cultures, we’ve completely robbed ourselves of the chance to
grow as human beings and challenge our own preconceived notions. While I
realize there are several reasons that can prevent us from traveling, sometimes
you just have to take a leap of faith that the means will present themselves.
Because if we don`t, we risk losing sight of what this life is all about—new
experiences and an education that transcends the bounds of a classroom. That is
something that this experience has afforded me. So much has happened between my
hola and adios. Below is just a small representation of the relationships and
memories that will last a lifetime.
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