Taking the Opportunity to Travel
There's something about traveling that makes me smile. Whether it's a two hour drive up north, or a trip to the ends of the world, it always seems to be a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, I've never really had the resources to travel growing up. School trips and family occasions were the only times I got out of the Twin Cities. So, jumping into UWEC as a freshman, I wasn't really focused on or expecting any traveling experiences during my college career.
I was content, until Blugold Beginnings took me under their wing and exposed me to all the opportunities of college that I didn't see before. They sent me off on the Civil Rights Pilgrimage and my first winter break I found myself exploring the warm southern states and diving into the rich history there. We got to hear living stories of the civil rights movement, roam the active streets of major cities, and wade in the salty waters, all while enjoying the weather away from Eau Claire.
Now plugging into my second semester, I found a hunger for traveling. I found myself looking into volunteering abroad and summer jobs away from home. And as I was wandering the halls of Haas, I was presented by an opportunity I couldn't pass up. An opportunity to see the world. With a little encouragement and support, plus the money it took to buy travel shots and a passport, I jumped at the chance to have a research trip to across the world.
In Senegal, Africa our team of seven (two professors, five students) spent three weeks exploring the country, attempting to speak French, and taking in the culture and life of the Senegalese people. As a student/ faculty research team, we studied Senegalese rap and hip hop music and its effect on the community. We spent time in the busyness of Dakar, enjoying the calm villages of Tambacounda, and interviewing musicians and community members along the way. It felt like the shortest three weeks of my life and I loved every second of it.
Experiences shape who you are and whether it's a drive around the United States or a trip across the world, the experience of traveling is something you can't miss. I once thought that traveling was something for the wealthy but that's not true. At UWEC the opportunities are endless. I don't know about you, but I fully intend to take advantage of the opportunities presented. Will you?