WOOOOOAH, I’M HALFWAY THERE! WOOOOAHHH LEMON AND A PRAYER(I think that’s the words…)!

Let me just say this: I couldn’t have asked for better companionship while here. Shaela and Adna have been the BEST traveling buddies! On top of that, the work they’re doing at Mission for Migrant Workers is life-changing. I learn so much about the social injustices that migrant workers face from their stories and it makes me want to get more involved and aware of social issues around the world.

As far as my Internship, I get to witness, firsthand, the resources available to wealthy and how it affects them in the long run. Most kids who sign up for these classes, as noted in my previous post, are rich. Like rich RICH.

All student speak fluent English. I’ve learned that one’s wealth can be known by their fluency in English. Private and public schools both teach English, but because of resources, private school kids are taught to speak it better.

Outside of their expensive lessons at Koding Kingdom(KK), they take other lessons like Piano, Cooking, Math and the list goes on. Their parents force them to take courses outside of school in order to get them ahead of the game in their academic careers. One of my students take five different courses a day and about three during the week. I often wonder if there’s a way for the company to take in those students who are just as bright, but unable to afford the courses.

Self Reflection:

At the end of my work day, I board the Cyberport shuttle to head back to our accommodations. Through the window, you can see the most amazing sunset as you ride along the South China Sea. During this time, I reflect on my day, my growth, my decisions, my journey and just life in general. There, sitting in my seat, I realize that I’ve been so blessed and fortunate to have an experience like this.

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In my thoughts, I often times reflect on the feelings I felt before even applying to Freeman Asia. I questioned whether I was smart enough or good enough to even apply. I questioned my knowledge surrounding CS. I questioned if this little black girl from Louisiana, which is ranked 50th in education, would be able to keep up with everyone else.

Man, there’s just something about having an amazing support system that believes in you when you aren’t able to believe in yourself. I’m forever grateful for my support systems at IWU and at home for pushing me outside of my comfort zone and challenging me.

This experience, already, has taught me so many things. I’ve learned how to live in the moment, adapt to a new environment and culture, to communicate more effectively and enter every situation with an open-mind even if it doesn’t meet my expectations. While here, I hope to continue to grow and to learn how to slowly let self-doubt go.

I’M EXCITED TO SEE WHERE THE NEXT 4 WEEKS TAKE ME!