2.28.2018

As I sit on the tarmac, awaiting take off, it’s hard not to reflect on everything that has brought me to this point in life.

Studying public health in undergrad prompted hour long debates among classmates about what more we could be doing in this world to give people control of their health and their life.

Traveling around the world from Europe to South Africa to South Korea where I learned the beauty that is cross cultural exchange. I contracted the travel itch which I don’t think will ever go away. A constant pull towards adventure and new perspectives.

I’m brought back to conversations with a friend from Kenya about child marriages and FGM. I would go home and research where else these atrocities existed and began using the classroom to work through possible solutions.

I vividly remember the interviews I had with different professionals in Romania that exposed me to the struggle so many women have endured in the fight for sexual reproductive health. And I have watched with horror as our current president has supported legislation to limit my own.

With all these experiences I took time to question how these effect me, what I want to do and what I can do about it.

Yesterday began and ended my one day of staging for the Peace Corps. It focused on creating a safe space for my fellow trainees and I to fully understand some of the challenges ahead, how to best deal with them, and was useful in reminding us that we are all heading into the unknown together. It was amazing how easy it was to connect with everyone. There were no frills or small talk to get started. Everyone seemed to be on the same page and recognized that we are stuck with each other for the next 2.25 years so might as well jump right in!

After 5.5 hours of training we were let out to get food and drinks and rest up for our 4:30am check out time. A big group of us headed to dinner at a place called swamp city (the food tastes much better than it sounds) where we asked each other questions to get to know one another usually reserved for a 3rd or 4th date.

Saying so long to the people I love most was incredibly difficult but being surrounded by 38 people with the same buzz of excitement and energy as me reminded me why I had to.

And now I’m about to be off. Off on an adventure I have dreamed of for far too long to do work I am passionate about. It can’t get much better than that.

The support my family, friends, and wonderful boyfriend have shown has been overwhelming and touching. I am sure, without them I would not be here right now.

But back to where here is. I am still on the tarmac but now I find myself in Nicaragua, my new home for the next 2.25 years. As we passed over Nicaragua with our aerial view of the country- I took it all in but also took a moment to glance around me. Every PCT was staring out the window with the same smile. I can’t speak to the meaning behind everyone’s but mine held excitement and a touch of fear. I cannot wait.