My Aspirations Statement

So I sent in my Aspirations Statement and Resume today. I am getting so excited. I posted my aspirations statement below. It was a little stressful writing a statement that is going to make my first impression to my host staff. But I guess I have plenty of time to change whatever misconceptions they might have once I get there. :)


A: My aspirations for this journey are so widespread it is difficult to begin to describe them. I am hoping to make a difference in the lives of those I come in contact with in Botswana: whether that is native citizens or other volunteers. I am hoping to educate my community about the many ways to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, how to live a fulfilling life after contracting HIV/AIDS, teach others about the facts and myths associated with the disease in order to eradicate stereotypes and stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS and lastly to help Botswana’s prevalence rate of HIV drop through education and community outreach.
I am also hoping to make a difference in the lives of the orphans who have been affected by this disease, helping them to understand what happened to their parents, and how to prevent the cycle from continuing. I am also looking to make their lives better by assessing the orphanage system and finding ways to improve their quality of life.
Preventing HIV+ pregnant women from infecting their newborns by providing education about the transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. Helping to provide formula to those to opt to protect their newborns. Get involved in counseling women about the importance of getting tested, helping women find out about the free services offered within their community, and working to provide woman and girls with a sense of empowerment and wellbeing.
Helping to rid the world of the ideas that all Americans are greedy, self righteous, rude, overweight, selfish people. But that we can be a vital part of the community, able to show love, support, understanding, patience, generosity as well as so many other things.

B: My strategy for working effectively with my host country partners to meet the needs of those around me is very simplistic. I am going to observe first, watching how they relate to those around them, how they tackle the issues, and how they provide support and answers to problems. I am then going to help to find ways to improve areas that need improvement and become experienced in the ways that work well. I am going to try to become a vital part of the organization by offering the knowledge I have, the knowledge I gain through training, and my past and future experiences.

C: Adapting to a new culture is something I am most looking forward to. I love the idea of being able to incorporate parts of a community I find fascinating into my own culture to make something unique. One of the ways I plan on adapting is by never refusing to try new things; whether that is food, a way to do something, a language, washing my clothes, relating to others, etc. Another way I plan to adapt is by determining to never be offended by someone different then myself, but to learn the reasons behind the actions and ways of that person. My cultural background is a part of me, but it is not what makes me who I am. My experiences and desire to help others have shaped me, and I never want to stop learning, living, and adapting because when I do, life stops having meaning. I also hope to live a modest lifestyle, in order to blend in as best as I can.

D: I am hoping to learn a language that is unique to Botswana. I also want to learn as much as I can about the culture in order to keep myself safe and to best integrate myself into my community. Anything I can learn about keeping myself safe from harm, so that I can complete my two years of service without major incident. I also want to learn tricks of the trade when it comes to working with HIV/AIDS prevention and education.

E: I am expecting to come away from this experience with a much better understanding of what I am capable of. Independence, self sacrifice, humble attitude, good business sense, open heart, and an unfailing determination are all things I hope to come away with. I am looking forward to the lifelong friends, endless stories, tons of photographs, and a new outlook on life. As far as my professional aspirations, I am expecting to go to graduate school when I return. As far as what I earn my degree in, I have a feeling it will ultimately be determined by my experiences in Africa.