no subject

Dear FutureMe, Going on the Guatemala trip will be a meaningful time for me to demonstrate empathy, humility, and growth. It will bring me closer to being a global citizen by providing me with experiences that teach me purpose. Right now I am able to do good things for the environment, and I can socially advocate for peace, equity, etc. But to follow through with any good deed, I think it’s important to get in touch with the cause. And opening up to the communities in Guatemala will likely open a doorway to understanding the vastness of the world and my role in connecting with it. I think, as we live in such a rich society, global justice and social equity are largely overlooked. In Canada, we consider owning a nice house in our lifetime to be almost a right or something we are entitled to. Having discussions with people in Guatemala will be a shock. A shock for how little they get, how little they ask for and how gravely they need support, such as in reducing addictions, eliminating labour exploitation, and protecting their health in their homes and communities. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala. My goal is to explore different religious practices, and gain an understanding of how Jesus Christ is a figure that holds a lot of importance to people. A challenge for me will be learning how people separate historical events such as oppression and abuse caused by religion from the identity of the religion they follow. My second goal is to learn Spanish. I think speaking one of the national languages of Guatemala is necessary for making solid intercultural connections. On the topic of the aftercare program in Guatemala, I get concerned as I feel I have a lack of training with children, but I can deal with that by using a few tricks I know. When dealing with a scenario that draws my attention away, I can give the other kids a job to do even if it is as simple as to ensure the group is quiet and calm. If necessary, we can all travel as a group to find additional support, and a buddy system can be put in place. I can still problem solve and go from there. As a student, I’ve had clients who have known about having a condition or disability since childhood and were unable to get treatment until late adulthood, due to lack of research or advocacy, which has destroyed their health. Talking with people in Guatemala who have had similar inaccessibility to healthcare resources and also a lack of pain medications, unlike in Canada, could emphasize the impact of untreated chronic pain, expanding my empathy and understanding for my future patients who live with it daily. Humility can bring people together and it can open us up to ourselves. When a mistake occurs on this trip, I won’t focus on who or what caused it, but instead take accountability, be open to feedback and hold space for others upset. I hope to learn what’s really important to me. Many times I focus my worry into people who are uncaring. I’d rather be able to let all of that worry go, and instead empathize, nourish and cherish my relationships that help me grow. This will be my opportunity to continue to demonstrate, to myself, my dedication towards this change. I believe my placement in Guatemala will transform me. I will absorb, and sit with, all of the things I am taught and all of the experiences I have, and I hope to let them sink in and shape my thoughts going ahead. Sincerely, Nicole Kudlacek