Being a part of the Diversity Immersion trip was an amazing opportunity and I’m so thankful I was able to participate. I love to travel and see new places, check out historical sites and embrace different cultures, so I was very much looking forward to this time. But I have to say, the best part of the trip was the connection we made with our alumni. It wasn't just the formal discussions and presentations that made an impact, although those moments were fabulous and helpful. For me, it was the casual, yet heartfelt, conversations I personally had with the alumni that were the most meaningful. I was able to connect with the alumni that stayed with us because they were so engaging and intentional, making a point to interact with each of us. My favorite moments were the conversations during meals, on the bus, or while walking through the city. I loved hearing about the ways the program shaped and defined their lives. These young adults talked about being thankful that they were pushed outside their comfort zones and beyond their personal desires to participate. Looking back on their year they talked about how they learned they can do anything for a year, even following new rules. They talked openly about how they wished they could convince every current student that this opportunity is a privilege that shouldn't be taken for granted or wasted. It was really interesting to hear how participating in American churches, volunteer programs, and different organizations changed the way they view life, and how they hope to use these new perspectives to make an impact and change in their own country. While in Georgia, I also had the chance to connect with our Colorado alumni boys (See Holly’ blog). It was fantastic to see them again- this time on their side of the world. I absolutely loved exploring the city with these boys and seeing the pride in their faces as they shared their culture with us. As we told stories and caught up, I marveled at how much they’ve changed and matured since returning home. And it made me wonder about the current exchange students who are in the states right now, and what kind of changes and growth they’ll go through after returning home…and it made me hopeful for their futures. Our job is in a constant cycle. As soon as students leave we have just a moment to catch our breath and prepare for the next group that’s on their way. Our focus has to be on the students that are currently on program as we do our best to navigate these teenagers successfully through their year. We try to help them make strong connections in their host family and peer groups, to grow in responsibility and leadership skills, to find their passion and figure out how they want to impact this world for the better…all while they’re immersed in a culture very different from their own. And sometimes, it’s the problems that steal our focus as we deal with what may arise. Teenagers and adults have had different priorities and expectations since the beginning of time...and it can sometimes become frustrating. We can grow weary trying to get students to see and understand the benefits of what we’re trying to teach them. We seldom get to see the fruit of our labors…and can sometimes have doubts they even exist. But connecting with the alumni was a breath of fresh air. It reminded us that the successes AND struggles of the year are worth it. It stirred our own passions and reminded us why we got involved in student exchange in the first place. I know every single one of us walked away from this workshop changed, because of our interactions with the alumni. I wish every person involved in student exchange could get a similar glimpse of the bigger picture, first hand. I truly believe, that we are going to be better coordinators and staff because of this incredible experience. Written by Jennifer Beamer; National Program Assistant, Colorado. | Mariam Ghvamichava (FLEX 2009-2010; Georgia/Ohio) plays the piano for us during a tour of a traditional school in Tbilisi, Georgia. |