Derek Smith, Tanzania 2016
- claytonlwalton
- May 18, 2017
- 3 min read
The ILE Exchange to Tanzania Summer 2016 was a surreal experience. Not only was it my first time out of the country but it was a huge eye opener for things outside of the United States. It has inspired me to travel more, but it has sparked an interest in the development of third world countries. No child should have to go to school where they don’t have electricity. No woman should have to deliver a child in a facility with without lighting and power. This is an experience that more students should be aware of because some things you must learn outside of the classroom and experience it for yourself. Next summer, I am planning a trip to the Caribbean, where I will be visiting Puerto Rico, The Dominican Republic as well as Cuba for the first time. After coming back from the trip last summer to Tanzania, I graduated from Rutgers Newark with a degree in Supply Chain Management. I’m currently working full-time with Sony Music Entertainment as a Royalties Analyst. I hope that in the future I can travel for the company, both domestic and internationally so that I can experience other parts of the world as well. Originally I was afraid to go on the ILE trip, there were numerous factors that were going on that almost convinced me not to go but if your fortunate enough to be accepted for this opportunity “JUST GO!”. I cherish the friendships that I have started, lessons I’ve learned, funny and special moments shared, and admire the fact that I was able to make a huge impact in the lives of people that I’ve never met before. That feeling will last a lifetime. Living in the States, makes you very complacent and unappreciative of the little things. The trip has taught me a few life lessons.
1.Never Take Anything for Granted
Things like running water, education, light and electricity, internet, aren’t so easily accessible in other counties so it’s a really humbling experience
2.Be open-minded and try new things
There are over 6 billion people in the world and people do things different. Be willing to try new foods, learn a different culture, and engage in different traditions without questioning or judging others who are different.
3.Live in the Now
My group like every other group before us only stayed for 10 days. It only felt like three. Experience the trip to the fullest without distractions that are going on in your life. It helped me understand that I can survive without Wi-Fi and my phone and be just fine.
4.Similarities > Differences
Anytime you travel to another country, the differences are obvious but there are always similarities as well. Finding those things that are cross cultural can help you relate more to people who live thousands of miles away from you.
5.Do More and then some
Ive been a part of numerous community services projects in the past but nothing to this extent. I believe that there’s always an opportunity to help out your community, not just your city/town or state but your global community as well, it’s a great feeling knowing that you made a difference.
6.Sometimes no plan is needed
Life is all about schedules and planning ahead. But sometimes you have to just go with the flow and learn on the fly. It helps you adapt to different situations and explore things you don’t already know.
7. Family is not just those related by blood.
Don't let your connections end after you get back home. The 10 days I spent with my group were amazing, they are like another family that I have and our friendships have transcended past the trip. Tanzania was just the starting point to the bonds we made.
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