When I first caught wind of this opportunity, I was floored. It encompassed every thing I was looking for in a study abroad experience. During my time in college I've discovered my passion for Higher Education and Student Affairs, particularly access to education nationwide and globally. Even before college, I knew that I was passionate about learning the Spanish language and Latino culture, and I decided to pursue a Spanish minor. The announcement of an affordable study abroad opportunity that combined both was a Godsend for me. I had begun to accept the sure fate that I'd never be able to study abroad in college. If I did, I was willing to accept any subject area in any Spanish-speaking country. So when I talk about how excited I am to embark on this adventure, I hope my pure bliss is understood. I think most people can attest to the reality that experiences which combine all of your varied passions are few and far between.
In these last few hours before we hop on the first two planes to Quito, Ecuador, I am nervous. I've had a countdown ticking since the day I found out I was accepted, and each day I've been bursting with more excitement. Now that we are so close, I am freaking out -- for a variety of reasons.
1. This is my FIRST international trip. Well, last year I traveled by charter bus to Canada for the weekend. It was a phenomenal experience, but besides the unfriendly customs officers at the border, the trip felt a lot like any other school-sponsored trip to the next state over. I've never taken an international flight or delved into another culture on their home turf.
2. Tenemos que hablar espanol por todo el tiempo! We have to speak Spanish the whole time! This was always my intent in studying abroad because after 7+ years of studying the language, I still can't call myself fluent; I believe this has a lot to do with my lack of experience abroad. For that reason, I'm excited to challenge myself. But I've always felt less comfortable speaking Spanish around native speakers out of the fear that I'll say things wrong or have an American accent. I'm learning to shed that fear.
Also, our trip is comprised of 20 people altogether, but Spanish language background was not required for admittance. I think this is wonderful because it gives everyone the opportunity to learn Spanish on the fast-track! However, we will be working with a school in an indigenous community with no translators. For those of us with some Spanish background, we've been told our help will be needed. Immediate thoughts: I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING! But I'm sure I will surprise myself! (cross your fingers)
3. Three weeks is just enough/not enough time. I'm thrilled to have three weeks to spend in Ecuador. The time frame is great because it will give us enough time to get acclimated and build connections. And I've never had a travel experience that long before! But three weeks also seems so short. Reflecting on the last three weeks, I'm appalled by how quickly they flew! I want to be able to make the most and learn as much as possible. I titled my blog mas que aprender which means "more to learn." If I've gathered anything from my collegiate experience, it's that there is always more to learn. As soon as you lose that concept--when you think you've learned all there is to know about any topic--you become useless. I'm excited to immerse myself in the unknown with an open mind. While we might facilitate some conversations, I'm planning to be all eyes and ears, taking in everything I can.
In all, I'm extremely excited despite my half-packed bags and my constant fear that I'll forget my passport (YIKES). Certain things in life just feel right, and this is one of them.
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