“We must go beyond textbooks, go out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the wilderness and travel and explore and tell the world the glories of our journey.” –John Hope Franklin
I read this quote some time ago and a spark of inspiration and desire to see a world beyond my immediate world grew within me. I posted pictures about my desires to travel on my “Inspiration Wall” and began actions towards making those dreams a reality. I believe that this study abroad program will open up my eyes to other cultures and new ideas of how to find my niche in the world of the Arts. I chose this program because it relates to my interest in the Performing Arts, and I want to see the expression of Art in other cultures so that it may broaden my own perspective of what Art is and the many ways it can be presented to diverse audiences.
Now that my busy days filled with classes, rehearsals, teaching, and training are temporarily done for winter break, I can finally think about the adventure that is about to unfold. It is finally very real to me that I am going to Sydney, Australia to study abroad with the Australian Performance Program! I’m extremely excited for all that lies before me on this trip. I can’t wait to see the city of Sydney and the famous Opera House, and the best part - trying the different cuisines.
Upon viewing our daily itinerary, I am most looking forward to the many performances we will see. I am very interested in how their presentations of Art may differ from American Art. Mostly I am open to all that Sydney has to offer and teach me, and I am not making too many preconceived notions of what it may or may not be. My only worry is being away from Milah, my one year-old daughter, and missing her and my husband. I wonder if she’ll look for me in the mornings like she always does. I know that they will do just fine without me for a few weeks, but I still feel a little sad knowing that I will miss them and they will miss me too. I also wonder how I will be accepted as an American in a foreign country, and I hope that I can be an exception to any negative stereotypes or generalizations made about Americans and African-Americans. I also hope that I can look past any stereotypes and generalizations that may have been created about the natives of Australia.
Although three weeks is a short-time I’m still hoping to create some relationships with the locals that we meet and the people I am traveling with, and maybe keep in touch with them via the many social networks available such as Facebook. With this trip being a fulfillment of one of my major goals for the year, I believe it is very appropriate that it takes place at the very end of one already amazing year and goes into a new year! I get to end and start my year in a new place with lots of new inspirations to propel me forward into a future with endless possibilities. I want to experience study-abroad for myself so that I can share with whomever I can and also encourage others from similar backgrounds to seize opportunities to broaden their view of the world. It is all about being inspired by all Australia has to offer, so that I too may inspire others!
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