We have all been in the education system our whole lives. From kindergarten to college, I have spent countless hours sitting in the classroom, desperately trying to soak in information that will “help me be successful in life.”  It has taken a trip to the other side of the world for me to realize that the most important things in life aren’t learned in the classroom.

They are learned through living, traveling to unexpected places and having the adventures of a lifetime. This past summer I decided I wanted to do something completely out of my comfort zone -so I took an opportunity to travel to Africa. During my time spent on Zanzibar Island, I learned more about my self, others, and the way the world works than I ever imagined I would.

1) You are strong. Don’t ever underestimate your abilities. 

It is easy to live life in your comfort zone. I am not a builder, a teacher, a hiker and I do not speak fluent Swahili. I was so far out of my comfort zone, I could barley see anything that remotely resembled the girl who nervously hopped on the plane at CVG. Because I was so far removed from the things I was comfortable with, I was forced to throw myself into my new environment. I tested my limits, and by the end of my trip I had morphed into a builder, teacher, hiker and pretended to speak Swahili like a local. It may be comfortable in your comfort zone, but boy is it boring. Take risks; try something you never thought you could do- I promise you will surprise yourself.             

2) There is more out there. Find your own path.

 From childhood we are put on the “path to success”. We are told we need to go to school and get good grades to get a good job, meet a spouse, have kids- all to live happily ever after. News Flash- you don’t. Take time off, travel, find out who you are and create your own path. There is more to life that the never-ending merry-go-round we are all placed on. Don’t be afraid to get off.          

3) Experiences are priceless.

 Our lives are centered around money.  We are constantly talking about salaries, costs, and prices. I went on the trip of a lifetime, and I have so many amazing memories and stories that are priceless. I can tell you exactly what my first bath in the Indian Ocean was like and how I felt when a twenty one year old man I was tutoring was able to read past the third grade level. However, the details of my trip cost are fuzzy. I have countless memories from my adventure that will last me a lifetime- and they are worth every cent and more. Don’t ever let the price tag stop you from doing something amazing.               

4) Live for the moment. 

I am constantly doing things a million miles a hour, thinking about things days in advance. Every day is a gift, and every moment should be taken advantage of and cherished.  When I was separated from all technology and was forced to focus in on the moment and people around me, I realized how much I was missing out on. Without my phone glued to my hand I was able to notice the little things, and live in the moment.

5) You can make a difference 

 Little things do matter. A small act of kindness can make a difference in a person’s life. Every small act matters. We all have someone in our life that has made an impact and inspired us to be the people we are today. Be that person for someone else.  Take things a step at a time and take small strides to make your word a better place- because we all can make a difference.

While in Africa with Growth International Volunteer Excursions, my life was changed. I was overflowing with love and admiration for the people I was surrounded by.  I had a experience that I would have never gotten in the classroom, an experience that not only changed my perspective on the world but also my perspective on myself.