Reflections

Here I am, the last day of Semester at Sea. A journey that will be with me for a lifetime. It still hasn't hit me yet, the places I have been and the people I have met. I feel as though I have been at Disneyworld this whole time, just riding a bunch of different rides. Did the ship even go anywhere? Was each country just a little made up island? It is impossible to comprehend to this point the vast differences in the places I have been. My first Muslim country, seeing Africa for its beauty, the positive outlook of those in India, seeing the determination of the Black people in South Africa, the degrading prostitution in Thailand, Vietnam as a place that loves Americans, China as a place where its people are sheltered from the rest of the world, Japan where the war has produced one of the most sustainable economies in the world and Guatemala as a place that is not violent despite popular belief. How do I explain my feelings to other people, that is the question that looms in my mind. These thoughts, feelings and photos cannot do justice to help demonstrate and put one in my shoes. I wish that everyone was fortunate enough to have an experience such as I.


My semester has ended but my journey through life has just begun. I will carry my experiences with me throughout the rest of my life, sharing how I have changed with others. I will always reflect on what I have see; suddenly the economic crisis in the U.S. doesn't seem so bad anymore, at least I have a home. I realized I have taken many things for granted; a car to drive, a TV to watch, internet that allows me to freely connect with the world, books to read, teachers to teach and a government that is not corrupt. Most of these things we were born with, we have not earned them. People in the countries I have been to will work their whole lives or maybe even die trying just to get one or two of these things. I came and went with two completely different states of mind. I left thinking my trip would be one big party and I can wait to check out all the bars in each of the countries I went to. This feeling started to fade beginning in Morocco and had completely left me by India. Sure I was interested in having a good time, but there was something about getting to know the people and culture that made my desire to travel thrive. I have learned from the great words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu that "we are people through people-Ubuntu" and to always assume "positive intent." With this mindset, stereotypes suddenly begin to vanish and we as humans all become more same than different. All human beings on earth deserve Maslow's Basic Hierarchy of Needs- food, water and shelter regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status or birthplace. It is our duty as humans who are well off to lend a helping hand and aid those who need it most.