Dam Square, I'm Gogh-ing there!

Jaelyn Moore Start Date: Feb 10, 2020 - End Date: May 4, 2020
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

My Travel Story

by: Jaelyn Moore Start Date: Feb 10, 2020 - End Date: May 4, 2020
(Campaign name reasoning- Dam Square is a town square I will be going to in Amsterdam; there is also a museum there dedicated to Van Gogh)

I firmly believe that, as humans, we are never incapable of growing.  We are ever-changing, ever-adapting, ever-learning.  The things we experience, regardless of age, time, or place, shape who we are, our personality and our character.  It is common for people to be set in their own ways, sometimes too stubborn or scared to branch out and extend past their comfort zones.  I want to break this norm, which is why I am incredibly passionate about studying abroad.  I refuse to allow my personal growth to stall or deteriorate.  Instead, I want to further the development of my character.  I want to continue to nurture and build onto my personality by challenging myself to be exposed to cultures and people I am unfamiliar with.  I do not want to be closed off.  I do not want possible nervousness or intimidation to stop me from reaching my ultimate goal.

Going to Amsterdam has become my new dream.  My enthusiasm only increases when I think about exposing myself to a culture that is somewhat similar to my own, but also different in countless ways.  By participating in a four-week course focusing on gender, race, and sexuality, among other things, I deeply believe my eyes will be opened to a new view of life and the people around me.  Through my own research, I have discovered that Amsterdam is a place of open-mindedness, acceptance, and love.  Studying the topics mentioned above in a place like this can be beneficial, not only to me, but to those around me.  When living in a society that can be so quick to judge, so close-minded and critical, a culture like the one I will be experiencing abroad can change me for the better.  Hopefully, after learning what it is like, I can bring a little bit of Amsterdam back home. 

However, I cannot fulfill this dream without some help.  On my own, I will not be able to pursue a passion.  I long to travel.  Not only because I want to see the world, but because I want to dive head-first into different cultures and interact with people who think differently than me.  There are roughly 7.7 billion people in this world.  It would be selfish of me to assume we all think and act the same way, that we have the same views, beliefs, and customs.  If given aid, I would be granted the opportunity to avoid stunting my personal growth and further shape my character into the person I long to be.  

I think I am perfect for this opportunity of going abroad because I am very, outgoing, open-minded, and accepting of people, and going to Amsterdam will allow me to grow in these aspects.  I am very enthusiastic about learning and reaching out of my comfort zone, so I believe I can excel in my studies abroad.  I can use what I learn in Amsterdam to broaden my mind-set and it aid me in my future as a clinical child psychologist.  In this field, I will have clients who are struggling with their identity, it is almost inevitable.  Learning about race, gender, and sexuality in a place that not only accepts diversity, but celebrates it, will allow me to answer their questions, ease their minds, and help them accept themselves.  I hope to adopt some attributes shown in the Dutch community, learning to further open my mind, decrease the likelihood of judgement, and increase my capacity for love.

Not only will I be partaking in courses at CIEE Amsterdam, I will also be working on an observational research project.  My hope is that in going abroad, I will be well-equipped to have something worthy enough for publishing, which will be a tremendous help in getting me into my dream grad school!

Any little bit helps.  Even if you are unable to donate, please share this campaign! 

Thank you,
Jaelyn Moore
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

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