By As the Asia departure date fast approaches I have found it increasingly difficult to express what I am feeling. With each day that passes I find myself feeling mixed emotions of anxiety, fear, nervousness, and utter and complete excitement. The courses developed to prepare me for the Asia trip have done an excellent job of making me familiar with the history and culture of Southeast Asia, but I feel that nothing can truly prepare me for what lies ahead.
I will be encountering societies, cultures, and environments that are completely foreign to me and my Westernized perceptions of the world and the way it should be. To be honest, I can’t wait to challenge my world-view and force myself to experience, learn, and grow. I have learned through the History course of the rich and at sometimes tragic history of the Asian people. Their struggles through years of colonialism to finally achieve independence have made their nations a mixture of ancient Asian traditions and European customs, forming the eclectic culture they’ve developed today. To take what we have learned in the classroom and apply it to see, taste, and touch with our own senses in Asia is a rare and unique opportunity!
Regardless of the mesh of emotions I am feeling right now, I am looking forward to this trip. I believe that to truly know and appreciate one’s own culture and history, it is important to know that of those who are different from you. With an open heart, mind, and a sense of adventure I hope to discover who I am through discovering the Asian people, traditions, and culture.