Predeparture Thoughts

My name is Maggie and I am one of the PA students participating in this year’s trip to Ilula. While I have some experience traveling abroad this will be my first time traveling to Africa. As I look forward to the journey ahead, I feel a mix of emotions including excitement and some anxiety. However, I know that this experience will expand both my medical and cultural knowledge. I have enjoyed participating in all our group meetings up until this point and I am looking forward to working with the traveling team as well as the medical team at Ilula. Last night, I just finished reading the novel Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences by Joseph L. Mbele, a Tanzanian who is now a professor at St. Olaf College here in Minnesota. I found that it was quick read and provided good insight into cultural differences regarding topics such as eye contact, money, and safety. I am curious to see what else I will learn during our travels! Hopefully the snow here in Minnesota will not delay our first flight to Amsterdam.

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