Help my dream to travel to Europe become reality!

Cassandra Rodriguez Start Date: Apr 11, 2024 - End Date: May 10, 2024
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

My Travel Story

by: Cassandra Rodriguez Start Date: Apr 11, 2024 - End Date: May 10, 2024
Hello!
My name Cassandra I go by Cassi. I am a newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic that will have the the amazing opportunity to travel to Amsterdam in May 11 - May 19. I came upon this amaizing opportunity through an email posted by my Major expressing the opportunity for travel to Amsterdam. I, of course, had to apply for I would get to experience Amsterdam not only from an educational perspective, but the prospective from the history that is Amsterdam to the Black community aka. the Afro-Dutch. I am passionate about this project because I always have considered myself to be an advocate and strong allie of those that are fighting to protect their rights and/ or gain them. As a Mexican American, I resonate and feel for the struggles that others go through. Especially because of my own personal battles both having to do with my own identity and now my new disability diagnosis. Since diabetes is not a visible disability it may definitely rock your world, as I like to put it, and keeps you on your toes especially when you think you've got a handle on it. This trip is meaningful to me because despite our own struggles, we must always be aware of the possible struggle the person next to you may be facing. Working at Starbucks has helped me meet countless of people with several struggles that are seemingly "invisible" to all. This has helped me become a more kind, aware, and patient human being. Much like many of us going through struggles that are not the most appearant, the Afro-Dutch fight a daily battle of injustices, racism, and historic erasure that contributes to the systematic racism and perpetuates the invalidation of the historical wrongs the country has done to their people. I hope that once I complete my class and end my trip in Amsterdam, I will be able to help with advocating for the Afro-Dutch my emersing myself with their culture through their eyes.
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands