Traveling by oneself is something everyone should experience at some point in their life. It is very true that no matter where you go, you will never be alone. I always considered my best friend brave because she hopped around Europe one summer completely alone and nothing along the lines of the plot of Taken occurred. My journey was somewhat different than her European summer but I wouldn't trade it for anything. My time abroad was spent as an international volunteer and life in the United States looked a lot different when I came home.
Through the program Cross-Cultural Solutions, I was a volunteer in Guatemala City, Guatemala, working with children with special needs. I had been outside of the United States but I had never traveled alone but once I arrived I realized there is so much more to life outside of the comfort zone where my friends and family surrounded and sheltered me. I lived in a house with other volunteers and I quickly learned how fast total strangers can become great friends. You end up sharing a lot of firsts with them and those are hard to forget. Despite the distance between everyone's hometown, they are still some of my closest friends to this day. Being abroad gave me the opportunity to be open when there was no cushion of people I already knew.
The other volunteers were inspiring people of all backgrounds but what I also found inspiring were the people I worked with and the children we helped everyday. The circumstances of their lives were so foreign to me before I actually experienced it. It gave me an opportunity to reflect and appreciate my own life as I saw them be absolutely grateful for theirs. The children put a smile on my face every morning and when my time with them came to an end my heart was never more broken. They taught me that it is okay to be silly and vulnerable but most important that you should always strive to be the best version of yourself regardless of who is around you or in your life.
Although my experience was quite different that a European holiday, I think it allowed me to learn some lessons that can be lost when travelling for leisure. I was able to take in the culture and make life long connections while living and working far outside of my element. No one ever forgets their time abroad but the memories I made will be imprinted within me through all my journey's in life. I will forever remember my first time as a volunteer abroad.
