Pre-Departure

    Hi Everyone, My name is Kaylea!

    It’s honestly hard to believe that the trip is so close. I’ve been looking forward to this trip for so long, but now that it’s actually here, I have a lot of mixed emotions. I’m really excited, but I’m also pretty nervous. I’ve never traveled internationally by myself before, and the thought of navigating airports, long flights, and a completely different country on my own is definitely a little scary. I know once I meet up with everyone I’ll be okay, but getting there feels like the biggest hurdle. At the same time, I know it’s something I need to do, and I’m hoping I’ll come out of it feeling a lot more confident.

    More than anything, I just feel really lucky that I am able to go on this trip. It honestly feels like such a unique opportunity, and I don’t take that for granted. Not everyone gets the chance to travel halfway around the world and learn from people in another country, especially through social work. I know this experience is going to challenge me in ways I can’t even imagine yet, and I’m excited to learn about a different culture, meet new people, and step outside of what I’m used to. I owe it to the community around me, especially my parents, who put in hard work fundraising so I can go to India.

    Right now, I don’t really know what to expect, and I think that’s both exciting and terrifying. I’m sure there will be moments that push me outside my comfort zone, but that’s part of why I wanted to do this in the first place. I’m hoping I come home with a new perspective, more confidence in myself, and experiences that will stick with me long after the trip is over. Even though I’m nervous, I know this is going to be something really special, and I’m ready to see where it takes me.