Care Allen, South Africa
In the summer of 2015, I traveled to South Africa as a
first-generation student. Although I was a graduate student, this was
my first time outside the country. This was a summer filled with
excitement, challenges, exploration, enjoyment, failures and
victories. South Africa forced me to face my identity, values and my
future goals.
My experience in South Africa added to my professional experience in
ways I never imagined. I currently serve as the program services
coordinator for TRIO Student Support Services, sit on several study
abroad and scholarship committees, and help educate students on the
power of study abroad. South Africa was the start of an amazing
journey for me that I am proud to share with others.
I decided to spend time in South Africa to explore the country and to
be able to add "international experience" to my resume. When
in actuality, this experience caused me to explore who I am, what I
need, and how I affect the community and world around me. I traveled
with a group of graduate students from another institution, which was
a learning experience in itself. I was not only able to reach my goal
of studying abroad, but I was able to better connect with my future
professional goals as well as my personal identity.
