In all honesty, I'm not very creative and I certainly am nobody's poet. I thought to title this Blog "6 Months" because around six months ago was the start of my Senior year. In another 6 months, I will be settled in at Norwich University as a Rook in the Corps of Cadets. One is able learn so much within six months time if you allow yourself to understand what the world has to offer. It is true that every day you are able to learn something new. I will be lying to myself and to everybody else if I say I have not faked it. However, the passion I have developed during my high school career is as genuine as anybody could ever love. For those who have supported me, there is no way I am able fully display my appreciation. Unfortunately, I do not know everybody who took the time to be there in some way to help me reach my goals. With this sense, I have created a blog to reach out to everyone, to share with you my experiences that motivate me and have helped me develop into the person I am today. I hold each and every one of you near and dear to my heart because you have made an impact in my life. Now, allow me to introduce myself:
Growing up, I have been too cautious to take a stand for what I believe in and I have constantly questioned my life without determination. So, I must say that I am most proud of myself for taking the healthy risks that led me to step out of my comfort zone.
Belonging to a military family has influenced me to start the Veterans Appreciation and Support Club (VASC) on Vinalhaven, Maine and in Chicopee, Massachusetts. My father was my biggest inspiration for doing so. He was enrolled in the U.S Army for 15 years and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) the first year. Let me tell you, there is no doubt about the immense pride he feels of his service to this country. The pride I have for my father only grows with each day. When I was younger I would ask him questions about death and destruction, not truly understanding how these questions affected him. My father patiently explained that those questions are difficult for many veterans to hear. Don't ask "how" it was overseas, instead, ask "what" it means to serve.
Too many veterans come home to a country, and even a family, who do not appreciate their service. I saw firsthand this disrespect. I wish for myself and those who join VASC to learn from the most influential men and women who are considered a minority in our community, and to give back with a respectful manner by honoring their service in various ways. Sometimes, veterans are discharged without the honor they deserve. It is important for everybody to recognize their rights and the sacrifices they have made. It is the most rewarding feeling to know that the simplest actions have the ability to impact somebody's day in a positive way.
I plan to study Psychology in college and graduate school, learning to help people with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addictions. I am passionate about serving others and I plan on joining the military in order to carry on my family's line of service tradition. I also believe this experience will allow me to become a successful Clinical Psychologist by helping members of the armed forces and their families in a more effective and meaningful manner. I want to understand what happens within other military families and use my experiences to better theirs. I want to help veterans who turn to drugs and alcohol, and those who believe that giving up is their only option. I want to help them realize that there is more than one way to cope.
Through traveling, I will gain a sense of pride, knowing that I am able to accomplish what I set out to do. I wish to expand my volunteer services and apply it to a wider stage. Working with veterans I learned about their adaptability and what these men and women have to go through. With this knowledge, I am inspired to broaden my base of understanding by reaching out to other groups. I believe it is important to expand my education by immersing myself in foreign cultures. Traveling will allow me to gain my sense of independence, learn new ways of communication, and increase my understanding for the society in which I live.
I am yearning for the thrill of adventure and hoping to learn new skills that I can apply to life situations. I feel that traveling to the Philippines will give that immersion needed to advance my understanding of different cultures. My stepmother is from Manila, Philippines and she has sparked my interest to visit the country by sharing stories of her childhood and preparing popular Filipino cuisines. She explained to me that Filipinos are very virtuous and respectful. I may have a slight understanding of the Philippine culture, but I hope that this experience will help me learn more about my stepmother and the cultural adaptation she has gone through by moving to the United States.
I wish to bring back my knowledge of international relations to the island and my home of Vinalhaven, encouraging others to broaden their perception of the world that we live in. Not everybody sees the world the same way, and changing a point-of-view will come with so much knowledge. I believe that it is so important for young people to gain a better understanding of other cultures. Traveling creates a way to become more sensitive with communication to others and to learn the next step into the real world.
Living in a small community teaches the importance of enjoying the simple things and carrying on traditions, or pattern. Tourists who visit the island are fascinated by our nonchalant lifestyle. Sometimes we find it a little silly, only because we're so accustomed to it. Unfortunately, not everybody on the islands have experienced the best of both worlds, and becoming fascinated with another lifestyle. I hope to inspire wanderlust in younger people and make it known that there are so many opportunities to begin an adventure.
So far, I have secured my spot in the International Volunteer Headquarters to travel to Palawan, Philippines. I'm expected to depart on June 26th and spend three weeks there. I will be working with children in the local schools in the Aborlan District. I hope that the children and those who I will meet will help me adapt and grow within their culture. I am inspired to learn about the world, but for now I aim to learn about the Philippines.
Thank you for taking the time to read my first blog. This is only the beginning, but I hope you follow me on the adventure of a lifetime.
Salamat!
