While studying abroad, I found myself reflecting on the
experience as an intense sociological experiment on human interaction and
relationship building. What I love most about going abroad, going abroad with a
group, is that regardless of where one may be in the world, people’s behavior
and habits are intensified because of the fact that they are in a new/unknown
environment for a finite amount of time. Now, I find myself not abroad but on a
service trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, with a group whom I previously
considered strangers. The emotional experience of this trip is similar to that
of going abroad and I can’t help but notice their similarities.
It’s been four days but I can officially say that I am in
love with everyone on this trip. It’s amazing how the combination of being far
from friends and family as well as being confined in small spaces will force
people to bond in record time. The trust that has developed between the 15 participants
of this experience is admirable and I appreciate the group so much for
investing so much of themselves in this our time here. The personalities are
unadulterated.
It says a lot about people – our ability to open ourselves
to strangers, to let them into our complicated lives. During this trip, at the
end of each day, while we may seclude ourselves to our own thoughts and
feelings, and while we may consider our vulnerabilities and occupy ourselves
worrying about whether or not we were being judged, each person still has
managed to wake up the next morning, without acting differently or hiding
anything come the new day. It’s beautiful really. Yes, I am rambling a bit and
yes this is a cheesy wreck but I write it with the most sincerity. I am looking
forward to this last half of our alternative break trip, and dread the day that
it ends. Shout-out to all NOLA AB participants: thank you.
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