Answer a few questions to participate in a volunteer trip abroad - Essay Example

TRIP TO HAITI Why are you interested in an alternative spring break activity? To begin with I am of Haitian descent. The people of Haiti are alsomy people. When I saw on the news the devastation caused by the earthquake earlier this year I felt I had to do something. I feel like I have the skills required to bring positive change to Haiti. I know who I am and want I want: I know I want to help the people of Haiti get back on their feet again.2. Please explain why you would like to travel to Haiti.

I know the region and have skills that can be brought to bear to help the people of Haiti. Haiti, I know to be a beautiful country, but I also know it has many problems. Im under no real illusions about what I will face there having seen the devastation on the news and having heard first-hand accounts from family members who have suffered through the crisis. Im well aware that the trip will be a difficult one and I will have to prove myself in the field. Nevertheless I feel completely prepared and willing to undertake this challenge.3. How do you see this trip helping you in achieving your service learning, leadership, and/or personal goals?

I work very well in team situations and have always developed a good rapport with peers, co-workers, professors and employers. While I highly enjoy teamwork I also have the motivation and knowledge to work efficiently and independently on major projects. I work extremely well under pressure and have always been able to put my best forward and receive top results. Results are important to me. I was taught from a young age to strive to do my best in everything I do. I always reach for the top. I want to be a leader and do my best in the field in Haiti.

I know that leadership means having integrity and believing in what youre doing. I also think this would be a very serious and intense learning experience for me and would allow me to reach outside of my comfort zone and test myself.        4. Give an example of a time you dealt with a culture other than your own. It is very important to understand different cultures and to be respectful towards them. I strive, in everything I do, to follow this rule. Im of Haitian descent so Haiti is not a different culture than mine, and I can fit in there.

But with other cultures I am always sure to do my best to be respectful. I often buy food from a small Korean grocery near my house. Although the people there often do not speak English I do my best to great them politely in simple language. When there is a misunderstanding over the price I calmly take the time to talk to them. Get angry never solves anything. 5. In your own words, describe how you felt after seeing the devastation following the earthquake in Haiti via the news and media. As I explained earlier, the earthquake was personally devastating for me as I knew people who live in Haiti.

It was a truly traumatic occasion. I remember weeping as I saw the images on television and feeling powerless. I went to church and prayed for the people of that country. I thought: there must be something I can do to help these people—there must be something! That is the reason Im applying for this program. Thank you for your consideration.