SEEK OUT YOUR DREAMS

Source: designurge

So for a couple of months now, I've been on the systems but have only recently been actively looking for a project. Matching Mania took place just last Saturday and in itself, it was an intense and hectic experience - talking to people about the projects and then nek minnit, Skype interview! What's even more awkward and cringeworthy is that I had to have mine whilst my brother and sister were around - brother was yelling at the dogs to stop barking, and sister was walking in and out looking for food. Thank gosh, all of this happened in the first interview where there wasn't video! Somehow I managed to get through the interview relatively well, and got a matching offer for a project in Czech Republic!

For my next interview, the girl interviewing me (who was really pretty and nice) requested a video call soooooo .... I had a Skype interview with disheveled, yucky hair. Oh well. It was slightly more nerve-wracking the second time round, because I was really keen on Poland.  What made it more tricky is that she could only give me a verdict like an hour after the interview, which kept me on my toes for that extra hour (y'know, instead of studying or doing my assignment that was due two days after). So when I got the email saying I got another matching offer, I literally ran around my lounge room in excitement! That said, since all these offers are from Matching Mania, I never really got to research and prepare myself for the prospect of the projects so I'm going to do that in the coming days.

To be honest, I'm slightly leaning towards Poland and it's mainly because other people in the LC have had wonderful experiences in Poland and I know it may be a bit 'herd mentality' but I think... having that assurance coupled with an openness to a country like Poland where I haven't yet romanticised would be a really challenging and interesting experience. My main dilemma is whether to choose between teaching Kindergarten kids or high schoolers. I want to apply soon. Maybe now. *FINGERS CROSSED*

So, with all the balls rolling in motion (is that the saying? I'm horrible at idioms! Please correct me if I'm wrong, I don't want to further embarrass myself in real life), I'll try my best to post updates about the tiny toddler steps I take towards getting on the flight of a lifetime! Hopefully, once I'm overseas I'll be able to post more regularly (and sacrifice more sleep in the process)! 

TAKING THE PLUNGE

source: tumblr

So. This is one of those rare moments of clarity where I'm ready to take a leap towards my dream. Ever since my first flight overseas more than three years ago back to Vietnam with my family, I've always had a desire to travel independently. To be in a totally new, different and foreign country feels absolutely magical.

And I've missed that feeling almost daily. To put things into perspective, I am studying Commerce/Law which basically equates to 5 years of institutionalised learning and more or less the same routine - wake up, commute, go to class, commute, shower, dinner, study (minimally or nothing), then sleep and repeat. Of course, there will always be knicks and knacks and exciting moments and hobbies and lovely moments with lovely people to look forward to and brighten my days... but I'm not going to deny that at times, life feels monotonous. Escaping that monotony is a big catalyst for my desire to travel, because it is only through tackling that battle against monotony can we gain perspective, get out of our comfort zone and truly experience what the world has to offer.

Yes, I want to endeavour and marvel at the breadth and amazing sights that the world will offer me. And I am taking baby steps. Well, not so baby - maybe toddler steps; waddling towards my dream. I've decided that I will embark on this journey through going on an AIESEC exchange. Having been a Team Member for the past year and having grown from the experience, I feel really passionate about really getting out there and experiencing the product for myself. Not to mention, it makes perfect practical sense - committing myself to a project where I can make a social impact and a personal impact, whilst having accommodation and some food provided is beyond expectations. Realistically, when travelling, accommodation is what really empties the wallet so to have that covered for a good 6 weeks takes so much off the financial burden and money can be redirected elsewhere. And to add even one meal to that mix, though likely more if I stay with host families, I would be saving heaps and meeting amazing people and have a foundation to really get to know the families and the culture.

I don't know, I'm really curious: what inspires everyone else to travel?