Questioned Knowledge and Life Changing Experiences

There are moments in your life that your knowledge is tested and you realize that you don’t really know what you think you do. It was during my teaching experience last summer that I realized that I had a very limited pool of life experiences. I noticed that many of my students had a larger world view than I had and could understand the nuances of society through a wider lens. Through conversations with my students. I decided that in order for me to be the person and teacher I desired to be, there was so much more in the world that I needed to experience for myself.

This was verified when I visited the American Museum of Natural History.  Walking through the atrium I was confronted with a preserved elephant, one of my favorite animals, in as much of its majestic glory that could be captured from a stuffed animal. I could not comprehend the sheer magnitude of the elephant. All I could think was “Are elephants really this big?”, “This is fake, right?” and I felt the same way as I continued to walk through all of the other exhibits in the museum. I understood then that having a life without experiencing all the world has to offer is a problem that I needed to fix and soon.

When the opportunity to study abroad in Uganda came along, something told me that I needed to be a part of this trip. Luckily, the cards aligned just so that I could experience all of the things I have on this trip. Every day is a learning experience. I find that this journey is beyond an opportunity for me to explore additional interests that I have in alcohol epidemiology. I have felt so much like I am at home as opposed to a foreign country. Except for a few major differences I often find it difficult to feel like I am in Africa. I have been amazed that the conditions here are a lot like I have seen in movies or documentaries but I have also been surprised at how the conditions of many of the places we have visited, such as the slums, have made me consider how far my family has come and that it has not been that long since they lived like the people here.

Today was part of a weekend of relaxation, we are in Mburo National Park among zebras, monkeys, impala, water buffalo and other native animals in a place of quiet serenity. We were able to experience a peaceful ride on lake Mburo with Hippos, water fowl, and amazing scenery. This peace was only slightly interrupted when a snake slithered its way into our boat but quickly made its way back into the water. While on this trip I have been able to spend even more time with the new family I have gained in fellow students on this trip. I have been further reminded that conditions are not always what they seem.  I have grown so much as a person because of this trip and I am sure there are more changes to come.Getting on the BoatSearching for wildlifeHippos!EaglesWaiting to search for HipposMore HipposMomma and Baby HippoPair of EaglesEagle in Flight

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