Have you ever been told one thing your whole life and you never questioned it because it was told to you by someone you admire, such as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles teachers, coaches or friends? I have. I was told you go to school, you work hard, you spend hours doing your homework for that math class, you work harder for the teacher who can be difficult for you to learn from, you read the book that holds little interest for you and after that, you go to college because it is a path to your dream job. The fear is if you do not go to college right away you may put it off indefinitely.
For me this is not the case. I know the importance of going to college. I went to two wonderful colleges. After my first year at UNC I began to question why I was there and I wasn’t happy, I did not think much about it. I simply thought it wasn’t the right school for me. After much thought, I decided to finish my year at UNC then transfer to another school. The only problem was I didn’t know where to go or what to tell my parents. I had a close friend who was also transferring and she mentioned that she was moving to Boulder to go to school and she needed a roommate. I did not think about it until late spring – I needed a plan and needed to tell my parents. I just couldn’t tell them I wasn’t happy and I wanted to leave. So, I moved to Boulder and started at Front Range Community College. I was thrilled! I would be living with a great group of girls and my aunt and uncle live right around the corner. I would be surrounded by family and friends. What else could a girl ask for? I was right, Boulder was just the change I needed. I became more content with school, but something was still missing. I just couldn’t put my finger on it! The one thing I knew was I wanted to help others. I just didn’t know how. How could I be of help in Boulder, a town filled with college students? I began to look into volunteer organizations and from my good friend Thomas recommended The World Race. The World Race offers a mission trip for nine months, away from my family and friends, putting school on hold, but helping real people in real need. I had a lot to think about.
After much thought and consideration I chose to apply for the World Race! I didn’t think I had much of a chance to be accepted because I applied so late in the year. Since I had no expectations, I did not tell my family or friends that I was applying to a mission trip. Then I got the phone call telling me I was accepted into the World Race!!! Such a wonderful rush of joy, excitement and emotion….then it hit me: I had not told a single soul. What was I going to tell my family? How was I going to tell my roommate? What was I supposed to say to my friends? I was so worried that they would all think I was crazy or being impulsive. Sure enough, I worried for no reason. My family was shocked at first, but they came around. My roommate told me that in life I have to make my own choices and if it makes me happy then she will support me no matter what “crazy” thing I do. And my friends told me all they wanted what was best for me! Of course I had some doubts. Could I really be away from my family during the holidays, could I really live out of a backpack, could I really sleep in a tent instead of my bed for nine months? The answer is yes I can. I would not have been given this opportunity if I could not handle it. I realize now that I was only focusing on the negatives and not the positives. By going on this trip I will learn about new cultures, try new foods and I’ll also be able make friendships with a wonderful group of people! Most importantly, I’ll be helping real people in the real world. I’m lucky and blessed to be following my own path.
You never know what the world may offer you, you may have been told one thing your whole life but maybe that isn’t for you? Are you really happy where you are and what your doing, if not take the plunge so what if people think your crazy or impulsive if it makes you happy do it might scare you but you never know people may surprise you! I would have never imaged that I would be going on a trip for nine month helping the less fortunate, let alone write a blog to all of my friends and family. I would just like to say thank you so much for all the people who have donated to my cause I cant even put into words how much it means to me if it wasn’t for all of you I would not being on on this trip of a life time. Thank you very much for all your donation and prayers it means the world to me!
Love,
Lucretia
