Help Trisha study education in Finland!

Trisha Rinck Start Date: Oct 18, 2017 - End Date: Apr 17, 2018
  • Helsinki, Finland
  • Tallinn, Tallinna linn, Estonia

My Travel Story

by: Trisha Rinck Start Date: Oct 18, 2017 - End Date: Apr 17, 2018
I have many goals I would like to accomplish from participating in this program which I recognize will benefit me for life. My first goal is to be exposed to different ways of doing things that I can learn from and take home with me. Finland is known for so many progressive things from their education system to parental leave policies. Their system is clearly different than the United States and there seems much to be learned. I believe in being proactive and finding ways to be better, and ultimately want to do this as an educator. Sometimes you have to take a step back from something you’re close to or watch someone else do it, to find weaknesses and make improvements. I know I will be able to use the skills and knowledge gained in Finland for the many years to come of my career.
    My second goal is to have an experience that I will remember forever and that is something I have never done before. I have only left the United States once and it was an amazing experience to England with my husband. I moved out of my home to go to school when I was 17 and immediately moved in with my best friend. When our time came to move apart I moved in with my now husband. I have never had the opportunity to do anything completely on my own and feel like this is crucial to my personal development. I want the experience of doing something different and relying solely on myself. I value the times with my friend and husband but have always been cradled by their safety net. I expect to gain strength and courage from this experience that maybe I never knew was there.
    My third goal is to make lifelong friends and connections. My best friend recently hosted an exchange student from Norway that I got to meet and take a friends trip to Orlando with. Her excitement for everything was amazing to witness and I was able to learn more about her Scandinavian culture. It is amazing to think that I have a friend across the world, I hope to be that friend across the world for someone.  I have always wanted to live abroad and hope to make connections that may lead to this opportunity in the future whether it be in Finland or a friend from a different country I meet along the way.
    This study abroad program will give me the unique opportunity to observe how education is implemented in another country. I am currently working on my bachelor’s degree in education with the intention of being a teacher after I graduate. The only perspective I have is from my personal experiences in education and my schooling. I am aware of Finland’s superb education program and know I will learn valuable skills and material that I can implement as a teacher or ideas I could suggest to administration. This program will collaborate beautifully with the classes I am already enrolled in and broaden my knowledge and perspective on the subject.
  There are a couple parts of my background that prepare me for this course and success of the program. The first area I will address is my thirst for life and experiences. There has been nothing I enjoy more than seeing and meeting the people in the world around me. I find deep joy and fulfillment from learning about others and viewing the world from an alternative perspective. I did not grown up with the abilities to travel and explore other cultures and as an adult I reach for every opportunity that allows me to do this. This deep rooted part of me has prepared me to listen with open ears, have an open mind, respect and value differences, and have sincere empathy for all. I believe all of these aspects are important in daily life but especially when traveling to a new place that has a different culture and customs. It is applicable also to the other participants of the program coming from numerous backgrounds and who also may be of a different culture than my own. I am able to step into a new situation and be comfortable with the fact that I do not know everything and have much to learn from those around me.
     The second part of my background that I will address is my academic path. I am currently enrolled in the Education Bachelor’s program at Arizona State University through Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. The 2018 school year will be my final year before I graduate. During my progress towards my degree I have taken many enlightening courses towards my future career as a teacher, but know there is always more. I value my education immensely but understand there are different lenses to view and present curriculum from.  In addition, I have worked hard to maintain grades that make me proud and excited. I am a committed individual and am a hard worker, which I believe would support myself in the courses but also as a reliable participant to the program. School has prepared me to go into something full heartedly and put forth the very best of me.
  • Helsinki, Finland
  • Tallinn, Tallinna linn, Estonia

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