Category Archives: Gap Year Fellows

Bravery is a term I feel I have encountered several times during my gap year. I had to be brave entering into a new environment, trying new things, learning a new language, making new friends, and leaving it all. I was brave when I first came to Tanzania with my mom and 3-bags having noContinue reading “Bravery”

Solomon is unlike anyone I have ever met. He understands me. Solomon Shujaa is the Director of Golden Aya, the N.G.O. children’s stem program I volunteered with in Tanzania, and he is like a second brother to me. I see him as a real role-model because he is someone I am actively connected with moreContinue reading “Solomon”

In all earnest, I feel I am progressing towards my goals slower than I would have liked. I feel after weeks: I am finally starting to make real progress on my documentary; but I dread all the emotions and encounters that have been blocking me from progressing towards such. Transitioning from being in Tanzania toContinue reading “My Goals”

The goals I set at the beginning of my gap year were these: I feel that I have achieved these goals, but I will continue working on them because there is always more to learn. Through classes and organized trips, I have spoken with people from many different backgrounds and religions, and I look forwardContinue reading “Update on my Goals”

High school graduation, May 2022, it seems like an eternity ago I was walking across the stage as the principal called my name. In that moment I viewed myself as a new person ready to take on the world, though intimidated by all it had to offer. I still view myself in a similar way,Continue reading “Graduation: Then and Now”

I am progressing nicely towards my goals as I have completed almost all of my first semester ones I set over summer. I progressed to and through these goals during my time abroad and have continued to complete them by doing further conservation and leadership work now that I am back home. My ability toContinue reading “Goals”

Working in congress comes with many daily interactions. In this blog post I am going to explain some of my most memorable interactions with members, staff, constituents, etc. I think one of the first big moments I had was meeting the Congressman I work for. I remember throughout the day myself and fellow interns anxiouslyContinue reading “Interactions in DC”

When I think back to high school graduation, I remember feeling more than ready for the next chapter. I remember thinking I would adjust quickly and that the experience would be quite easy. Now that I’m three months into my gap year, I have a different view of myself. I’ve found that I’m not asContinue reading “Changing Views”

I for sure thought the most surprising thing about coming to DC was going to be the cultural shock. Throughout my entire life I was raised in an extremely small town in Florida. In a small town everyone knows everyone, you say high to almost anybody you see in a grocery store, and you doContinue reading “An Internship that Exceeded my Expectations:”

Since my high school graduation everything has changed. The world seems a little clearer and a little less hopeless, and I have Tanzania to thank for that. It is constantly amazing to me that such a place can exist because to me it is practically heaven on earth. Strangers that always make sure I amContinue reading “My View of Myself”