Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Pre-Departure: The World Is In My Hands!



Hola Amigos! My name is Yamila Nicasio and I’m currently a senior in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University! I will be embarking on a new adventure to Oaxaca, Mexico this summer! Words cannot simple describe how excited I am to travel abroad! I am enrolled in the Culture and Community Health in Oaxaca program, which embodies both a traditional educational study abroad approach and an international service learning component. This program consist of a course in Medical Anthropology of health in Mexico, a course in Medical Spanish, and a community service placement in a medical facility. In addition to the program’s structural components, I will also be exposed to new experiences by living with a host family in Oaxaca and learning through group weekend excursions. Oh and course through many opportunities to explore Oaxaca on my own!

 It is extremely exciting to think that the day is almost near! Ever since I can remember I recall that I saw traditional Mexican dances on television with women dressed in huge colorful skirts…at that point a new curiosity sparked and I wanted to go visit Mexico. It feels good that my childhood dreams are actually coming true. What makes me even more incredibly happy is that I found a program that I am actually passionate about the issues and want to learn more about both professionally and personally!

It’s difficult to picture what exactly the upcoming month will be like but I know that I’ve never been more ready than what I am today. I’m anxious, nervous, and feel like tomorrow is never going to arrive but I’m so thankful that in less than 24 hours I will be on that plane soaring through the skies and making new memories! I will definitely miss home but I have my family and friends support and I cannot wait to come back to the states full with stories, new perspectives, knowledge, and indescribable feelings!

A big thanks to the SEBS International Programs for awarding me with this scholarship and making my dreams possible! I would also like to thank everyone in my life that has impacted and shaped me into the women I am today. I’m a big believer in that every interaction leaves a reaction—an exchange between people that creates change… and if you got it, you have to give it back!

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