By Dhymond Hendricks
My transition into being an independent young adult started when I traveled to Peru and France 2 years ago, while still in high school. I love how these school-sponsored trips gave me an opportunity to learn more about the education that existed outside of the classroom. Each trip consisted of inter- and intrapersonal experiences that allowed me to improve my self and global awareness.
As a Sacred Heart School, having professional and personal relationships with the international and domestic Sacred Heart Schools is one of my high school’s core values. Researching new ways to apply my basic knowledge of Spanish, I was immediately intrigued with how this exchange program (aka SHAEP) applied classroom teachings to the real world. After months of exchanging WhatsApp messages, I was excited to travel to Peru with 3 other exchange students.
While Peru was AMAZING cultural experience, communicating with my host family was challenging since they did not speak or understand English. Choosing to rely on my exchange student and technology to communicate what I needed, I became complacent with my Spanish oral skills. Worried about being judged, I opted to speak English instead of practicing my Spanish. While I felt that I was inhibiting myself from being my best self as a student, I now know that my evolution as a global citizen was just beginning.
After returning from Peru, another study abroad opportunity as my school’s ambassador at an international conference was presented to me. Honestly, I was not interested. Advertised as a trip that only one or two people could go on, I expected to be rejected because of the limited number of slots. When my friend told me she had applied, I thought it would be fabulous for us to go together. She would be the safety blanket that I thought I needed to feel comfortable. My friend dropping out left me feeling anxious about what was to come. However, my mom pushed me to go outside of my comfort zone and I was on my way to France, alone.
The two weeks consisted of staying in three cities to follow the religious and educational paths of the founder of the Sacred Heart schools: Traveling to Nantes, Joigny, and Paris; I was excited about being 1 of the 10 countries that were represented at the conference. Surrounded by these cultures forced me to be immersed into all that was present. This was different from Peru, because I was putting myself out there without the safety blanket of a familiar face. I was contributing to group discussions, socializing outside my usual demographic of friends and I even practiced my Spanish with some of the students who were from Spanish-speaking countries. At the end of this trip, I could see the evolution of myself as a student and as a global citizen.
Reflecting back as a college student, I can now make clear connections to those moments where I peaked in my individuality. I see institutionally how education is important, but through the lens of a global citizen. Experiences that have shaped my desire to seek out opportunities to learn elsewhere, whether it is through community service or study abroad opportunities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dhymond is an 18 year old college student who is becoming the woman God wants her to be. As a sophomore at George Washington University, she majors in Latin American Studies and Criminal Justice. Dhymond’s interests include dance, community service, being involved in many organizations on campus, practicing to speak Spanish and spending time with her family & friends.