Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills
The spring semester finally ended and my life seemed to be a bit calmer now. It was time to start planning my summer vacation. After my travels to Thailand, I knew I wanted to go to Africa next, but I wanted my next trip to be more meaningful, more educational.
I found myself on the internet doing countless searches of volunteer work in Africa. With this, I also read numerous articles on corruption or poor company practices of “voluntourism.” When the possibilities are endless, searching for a program can be exhausting. Then, I came across Global Youth Connect, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create a learning and action community of young people on raising awareness of human rights issues. As I was perusing their website, I my eyes immediately went to the text, “still accepting applications.” It was for a human rights delegation in Rwanda.
I have always wanted to go to Rwanda. My first fascination with Rwanda began at a young age. Most girls daydream about being princesses, ballerinas, and even models. As a child, I dreamed of being a primatologist working with gorillas and living in Africa. Yes, I was allowed to watch Gorillas in the Mist in my youth. My second desire to go to Rwanda is because of my strong interest in Holocaust studies and my interest in humanity. Much of my past has focused on addressing questions of why do events like this happen, why do they continue to offer, and are we humans ever going to evolve?
After I read about the program description, I e-mailed the director for more information and to inquire if it is still possible to apply. I received a friendly reply offering me the opportunity to still apply. So, I gathered my materials and sent it off the next day. In the meantime, I kept thinking to myself, that I didn’t really just apply. I mean, who goes to Rwanda?
The following day, I received an email from the director to set up a phone interview. Nervously, I accepted. I had my interview on a Friday evening and what I thought would last 20 minutes last almost an hour. It turns out that I do well in phone interviews and being passionate about the subject matter helps. I felt very positive after the conversation.
The next morning, I woke up to a “congrats” letter welcoming me to the program. Was this really happening? Will I really be traveling to Kigali this August? A million thoughts raced through my mind. I had one week to decide and after thorough research and speaking with my family, it was time to take my life to the next level. I chose to attend and I chose to change my life.
It’s amazing that we live in a world today where opportunities are endless and vast. By a click of a button, I found this Rwandan program. I never thought that I would be going to Rwanda to participate in a human rights delegation with young leaders, just as eager as I to learn and to make the world we live in a better place.
I will be going to Kigali from August 1-29, 2012 and I will celebrate my birthday in the Land of a Thousand Hills.