Sam goes to Sri Lanka!

Samantha Lilly Start Date: Jun 22, 2016 - End Date: Feb 6, 2017
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Sri Lanka

My Travel Story

by: Samantha Lilly Start Date: Jun 22, 2016 - End Date: Feb 6, 2017
  • Professional Development
  • TEFL/Teach Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
Hey there!

As many of you know, I am extremely passionate about the subjects of Psychology and Bioethics. (It's like I'm getting a degree in those, or something?!) 

However, what you may not know is that being a psychology major is more taxing than other majors. This is simply because there are so many of us. Psychology is such a versatile discipline that many of my friends and peers are also PSYC Majors. They pursue the subject so they can be successful in the world of business and entrepreneurship; they use psychology as a way to have an upper hand in a field of social work --  understanding political decision making and so much more. Honestly, whatever the reason, being a psychology major is NOT at all unique. 

With that being said, I guess I'll tell you why I'm a psychology major.
At first, I wanted to learn more about the discipline because I wanted to help people find hope when they didn't believe it existed for them. But, in the months since getting accepted into the SLV program, I've discovered a new found passion for psychology. (Although, I will always have a passion to spread hope and love.)

I'm primarily interested, right now, in the philosophical underpinnings that are inextricable from the subject of psychology. And, hopefully, with that insatiable intrigue, I'll be able to learn, research, eventually be a professor of psychology. 

And I bet you're asking: "Well, Sam. What does that have to do with going to Sri Lanka?" 

I'm glad you asked. 

To go to Sri Lanka and volunteer in their mental health care hospitals will be, singlehandedly, the most influential experiential learning experience I could possibly have. And, this is because of the culture gap. Considering that the cultural experience in Sri Lanka is extremely (obviously) different than that of the United States, it will give me the best opportunity to truly learn from others because I won't be comfortable. I feel as though I'm growing too comfortable with my studies -- I want so badly to be passionate once more. 

Second, it would be extremely beneficial because the other half of the trip, when I'm not working in the hospital or sitting in Psychology classes, I will have the opportunity to teach English to a group of kids three out of the seven days of the week. In this process I would gain certification to teach English as a second language which would really give me a head start into learning how to be the best teacher I can be, in hopes of one day being a professor. 

Long story short -- thanks for sticking with me all this time.
I don't really have the means like a lot of my peers to go abroad. 
When I was younger it's never been financially feasible. And to be honest, it isn't now either. But, I truly believe this would be a life changing experience.
So, any donation would go toward my passport, travel insurance, visa, and so much more. 

Thanks, 
Sam

  • Sri Lanka