Oh, this is the start of something good!

So the title of my blog "Follow Through" comes from a song by Gavin DeGraw and the first line of the song  "oh, this is the start of something good" pretty much sums up the purpose of this blog. "Follow Through" is also relevant in my latest adventure. I think it is safe to say that often times we like to make lists or devote countless promises to adventures that are never followed through on. For instance the bucket list I've created of countless things that have yet to be checked off. Until now. Hence the blog and my willingness to share with anyone who will read of my latest adventure. It's summed up in a couple words, in a country not of this one:

Dakar, Senegal. Africa.

Yes, that's right I am in the beginning stages of heading to this lovely spot! Don't let me fool you though, my first location was Rome, Italy where I was going to study life and leisure in Italy. Gelato, homemade pasta, WINE, beautiful architecture, etc. need I say more?!  Probably not. Then I sat down and thought. There are many opportunities in front of us every day and some of us choose to embrace them while other times we sit and watch them come and go. This is one opportunity I am going to embrace. Not to say that it doesn't terrify me to leave the country for six weeks to study abroad in conditions I'm not used to, but the overall outcomes of this trip will make me a better person, a better future educator, and a human that is humbled by what else is outside of our little bubble. 

Over the past month I have began weighing out the pros and cons to traveling abroad and I think that timing is everything. Let me explain. Going abroad has always been something I've been interested in, in high school I had the opportunity to go to Costa Rica, but expenses and other trips came up. My family was able to host Carolin and experience a little piece of the world outside our U.S walls. I have also been blessed to travel to places to get a little taste of different cultures as well. Yet I always come back to thinking and having a strong need to travel and do something for myself. I always wanted to go to Spain, but my lack of Spanish fluency is holding me back from that one. Then Rome came up, ahh I could handle that, but then there was just something that didn't engage me in wanting to dive fully into that trip either. Until Africa came around. I will be studying the globalization, language and education of Senegal's culture, but more importantly and why I am even more excited to go is because I will be working in a school with students who have Autism. That is the kicker, that is why I need to go, this is what I am supposed to do.  Allowing myself time and reflection to sort it all out has led me to this trip. 

I have always felt that I am meant to do something in Africa, I don't know why but I have always been drawn to the idea of traveling there and working in some way. Yes I am going with a small group from Western, but my main goal is to conduct research while there for a thesis project with the Honors College. Research can be a scary word, yes I know, but as of now I want to look at the difference between the United States and their special education system and the one found in Dekar. The topic is still up for debate, much revision and research has to be done beforehand. Regardless I am excited for the adventures ahead of me and the experiences that I am going to get to be a part of and hopefully (fingers crossed) make a difference somewhere along the way.

Many emotions are running through me as I begin the initial stages of applying and preparing. I will say I did alot of work before letting anyone know I had this desire to go. First I looked into all the details (they are still sorting themselves out) I prayed, wrote journals and dreamed about it. Then I made sure that financially this was something that if i put enough time and energy into was something I could earn, finances are still up in the air, but I have time yet. But at the same time I look at the experience and not the monetary amount attached to it. I then had to check with things academically and with Western. Being part of the Honors College, I have a whole staff (including the Dean) supporting me and encouraging me to attend this trip and to come back with a fantastic journey. And finally and I will admit was the scariest and the one thing I thought would hold me back and that would be my loved ones, until this past Sunday when I sat down and talked with parents about what I wanted to do. To my surprise they were very supportive and encouraging to continue on the path of making it official, what a relief! With all the pieces in place now I feel a overwhelming amount of support from Western and from my family and Brad too to keep pursuing and going after this adventure.

Somewhere deep down I know this trip and the time of it is something I am suppose to embrace. This trip could have been offered any other time, but conveniently it is offered Summer of 2012 when I actually have time to take the trip. I will be completely honest I am nervous, anxious, yet know that this opportunity is something that will change my life and impact me in ways that will help me in the future. 

I wanted to start my blog today, because the application was posted today and I am now starting to fill it out. It's becoming real and want anyone interested to keep following me through my journey to Africa. I am following through (ahh) and "oh, this is the start of something good!"

"Don't you agree?!"

***More links and information will be posted soon, stay tuned!***

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftTfViVNwiM    -----> It's the song!