What do you do when you finally get to begin the journey of your dreams after waiting for a year? You take a leap of faith, double check that you’ve packed everything, and brace your self for an unforgettable experience. Doing my social work field practicum internationally was something that I knew I wanted to do from the moment I learned about it my sophomore year. While it may have seemed like something that was very extreme, I knew that it was something that I wanted to experience. It was something that I needed to experience because of my passion for international social work. For a year I dealt with doubt, encouragement, and a lack of confidence in regards to accomplishing this dream. I had family members that told me not to go because of the many dangers that came with traveling abroad, but I also had friends who were understanding and encouraged me to continue to pursue scholarships that would allow me to afford the trip. After months of scholarship applications and faith, I knew that participating in this experience was meant for me. How could I pass up an experience that was fully covered by the scholarships that I applied for?
But today is the last full day that I will spend in the United States. This is the last full day that I will spend in my apartment. I feel as if I am prepared as much as I can be for this three month journey. I previously had time to come to grasps with the fact that I will be gone for three months…away from my friends, family, and environment that i’ve been adapted to for years. Soon I’ll be in Accra, Ghana, living with a sweet host family. Everyday I will go to the Department of Community Development for my field placement and practice social work. I can’t think of a better way to learn more about myself, social work, and how to truly serve others.
I am prepared. For a journey that can only allow me to grow and develop like never before. I know that these three months will be challenging, but it will allow me to learn things that I can incorporate into my life and social work career. It will allow me to develop a new perspective on things that only come with not being afraid to do things that are a little uncomfortable.