AYLP/ABYLEP Bangladesh 2012-2013

A Changed Person: Reflections by Reo F.

What does this educational experience mean to me? Where do I even begin? As cheesey as it sounds, this experience changed my life. Before Bangladesh I didn’t pay much attention to what was happening around me or even how wastefull I was being. Now all I think about is the world and how my next move will impact it. I’ve always been a little shy and going on this trip with complete strangers pushed me to speak up and communicate when it wasn’t always the easiest. This whole experience means so much to me. Its even opened my mind to a new career interest. While in Bangladesh I learned that you can’t judge a book by its cover, and if you do you will be very embarrassed when you’re wrong. I learned that it’s okay to feel unsure and nervous, but you have to have the confidence and faith to take chances. I’ve never challenged myself as much as I did during those 3 1/2 weeks. 5 months ago, if someone asked me if I wanted to live on a boat for 5 days with no hot water, I would have said HECK NO! But I did it in Bangladesh. Being away from my family and friends was my biggest challenge. Having to rely on complete strangers and learning how to not only believe in them but to believe in myself is a big accomplishment for me. Overall, the whole trip was a challenge- and I did it! And I would do it again in a heart beat. Moving foward I plan on surrounding myself with different people more often. I already started this but I’m also trying to get my family to go ‘full time green’. For example, instead of driving everywhere, I want us to walk more in the summer. Also to recycle more and to quit being so wasteful. I feel like a new person. I value new things, I feel different towards the world and I feel more fortunate. I want to thank World Savvy for giving me the opportunity of a life time, I’m forever grateful!