Hi, My name is Alicia Davis-Arnold and I am a fourth year social work student at TRU. I love new adventures, exploring new places, trying new things, and seeing the world. When the field study in India was brought up, although I was nervous I felt like it was an amazing, once in a life opportunity that I absolutely wanted to be a part of. India is never somewhere I thought of myself going and wasn’t sure if I would feel safe there; however, I really shifted my mindset and felt like that was all the more reason I should go. This opportunity was so amazing because it is a safe way to see this part of the world and go out of my comfort zone and see somewhere I initially didn’t think I ever would.
In preparation for the trip, we participated in introductory meetings to gain an understanding of what to expect from the field school, as well as some of the content of the Consent Café that we would be delivering in schools across India. Through the social work program, I have developed an understanding of social work values, ethical practice, cultural humility, and the importance of building respectful relationships with individuals and communities. This learning has hopefully prepared me for this experience to approach it with an open mind, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine willingness to learn from the people and communities we engage with.
As a social work student, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice social work in India. I am excited to help facilitate the Consent Café in schools and to learn how consent is understood, discussed, and practiced within the Indian context. I hope to contribute to meaningful conversations that promote greater awareness of consent and support positive changes where opportunities for growth are identified. I know this experience will challenge me to think differently, build my cultural awareness, and grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to learning with humility, listening to the people I meet, helping in any way I can, and reflecting on how this experience will influence my future practice as a social worker.