The first and last times were thanks to a class I took called Medicinal Ethnobotany. (An intense name, I know -- basically, we were studying plants with medical properties with an indigenous tribe in the Amazon rainforest of Ecuador). We lived off the grid for almost two weeks, which meant limited electricity and definitely no Wi-Fi or phone service. Ecuador is a Spanish-speaking country, so the fact that I spoke the language really helped me get to know the people and the culture. I also spent seven weeks volunteering at an occupational therapy clinic in Ecuador. Since occupational therapy is all about helping people achieve goals that are meaningful to them, I really got to know what Ecuadorian people value by working with them.
Other things that I did during my time at college were playing and coaching volleyball; joining our chemistry club; inspiring kids to love science; joining our occupational therapy club; joining our Colleges Against Cancer club and organizing a Relay for Life event. However, the most important thing that I did was to become a camp counselor. I worked as a camp counselor for three years at a summer camp for individuals with disabilities. It was one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences that I have had and it reaffirmed my career choice.
Finally, during my senior year, a professor mentioned that I should apply for a Fulbright Scholarship. I proposed research involving how teachers perceive inclusive education and chose the Philippines as my destination by process of elimination. So here I am, investigating special education in the Philippines!
Beyond school, I love to read, and I have to stop myself from buying books here because I know I will have absolutely no room to take them home.
