"As I prepare to leave for this life changing experience, I can't help but feel so many conflicting emotions...I hope during my internship and travels, that I come back more independent, confident, outgoing and self-sufficient. I can't wait to learn more about myself and the real world on my journey to Sydney, Australia!"
But now, I have conflicting emotions about being home. I love seeing my friends and family, but I have built such a support system and friend group in Australia, that it was hard to say goodbye. I felt the same leaving Australia as I did leaving America so many months ago. I didn't want to leave, but I knew it was what had to be done.
The first three days of my time in Australia will never be forgotten! Although all I wanted to do was sleep, I had the most fun filled days ever! I stepped out of my comfort zone and also met heaps of new friends! We had a nice balance of fun and information when we went to the Bridging Cultures Program sessions. I really enjoyed the sessions because it gave me some insight into the culture that I was gradually immersing myself into. I did a lot of research before I arrived in Australia, but it was a good refresher to the information I already knew and additional information that I needed to know! I think that the program was extremely valuable!
I’m really glad that I participated in all of the activities in the first three days, because whenever I met someone new and they asked if I had gone somewhere or done something, I could say “yes” because the ISA program took me there and helped me do all of the “must do’s” when you’re in Australia! I think that this was really beneficial because I had more time on the weekends to do cool local things that I might not have been able to do if I had been trying to plan some of the activities that ISA took me to!
As for the internship site that I was paired with, I was so fortunate to have been sent to the Club Kidpreneur Foundation. This organization was a perfect fit for me. The position that I had, PR and Social Media Assistant, fit exactly into the requirements for my major and interests. My employers were exceptionally nice and accommodating. They not only helped me professionally, but also socially. If I didn’t know how to do something on one of my tasks, they were more than willing to teach me. If I didn’t know how to get somewhere or needed a recommendation for a place to eat, they were more than willing to tell me and even go with me! The treated me as an equal, not as "just an intern."
I am so thankful for everything ISA, specifically Pauline and Lorraine, did for me during my time here. I know that my family is extremely happy that there were people there that cared about my safety and wellbeing. It gave them a peace of mind while their daughter was in a new place on her own.
I have learned heaps of useful information about the working world and about myself. I have not only gained confidence in my skills as an employee, but also confidence in my abilities to do anything I set my mind to. I traveled around the world, without knowing a soul, and worked for a company in a culture that I am not accustomed to. To me that is a pretty incredible feat. This life changing experience will mean more to me than anything I ever do. I have been shaped drastically by this experience and I am the person I am now because of this journey. I am forever changed, more independent, confident, patient, flexible and understanding because of my experience here.
I think that if someone has the opportunity and means to travel abroad like I did, they certainly should. It is great to see how another culture operates differently. Getting a global perspective when traveling abroad really helps you to be less ethnocentric and it keeps you open to new ways of thinking and doing things.
Although I feel like I want to be in Australia still, I know that my life hasn't been put on hold since I left Australia, but it has just begun a new chapter. I am more open to trying new things and meeting new people. I have learned how to communicate better with others and communicate what I'm thinking and feeling in a more adult way. I have gained a greater appreciation for nature and life. I will not sit idly by just strolling through life. I will make it fun and exciting no matter where I am! No more sitting around on the weekends! This is the new year of Shelby! Changes will be made! Australia has taught me many things and I look forward to implementing the changes into my every day life! No worries mate, everything works out in the end!
Watch out world, the new and improved Shelby is ready to take you on in full force!