In four days I do not doubt that my stomach will be in knots
and my hands a bit sweaty as I crawl through airport security in anticipation
of a near twenty four hours of travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Many have
asked me why I chose Argentina, of all places. Honestly, I have never given
anyone the same answer out of all the times I have been asked, because the
truth is I do not know why I choose Argentina. As many of you know I study
Social Sciences at the University of Wisconsin – Stout and I have a minor in
International Business. A few semesters ago while I was studying Cognitive
Science I took a Cultural Anthropology class as an elective with a man by the
name of, Dr. Thomas Pearson. This class completely changed my view on the world
and what it has to offer each and every one of us. Not only did it change my
world views, it has changed what I have perused and found great interest in
while I continue my studies at the university.
With that, Anthropology has always been a subject of Social
Sciences that intrigues me. For those of you that do not know, Anthropology
(Cultural Anthropology) is the study of all places, all people, at all times, the
study of the way in which people make sense of the world around them. Argentina
is a completely foreign place to me. I have little knowledge of the people, the
culture, the language, and the places that make up what is Argentina. This people,
is exactly why I choose the country of Argentina. To be completely in the shadows,
vulnerable and lost; then to slowly learn and gain an understanding of
something that once was completely foreign, is something quite amazing. With my
studies I have gained a strong interest in trying to seek, learn, participate
and understand the cultures that make up our international network. I am
traveling to Argentina to get to know and understand all the people, places,
and cultures around me; striving to completely immerse myself into what is
Argentina. With my travels I will strive to learn the Spanish language fluently,
engage in the culture, and live it hands on, to be one with the locals.
As I sit today, I have a suitcase in shambles, a to-do list
a mile long, and too many goodbyes left to give. I am far from ready to leave,
but I do know when it is time to depart in a mere four days with everything
behind me, I will be raring to get going! I am aware that my vulnerability will
radiate, as I am a complete foreigner, and my curiosity will battle with what
around me is unknown, but as Albert Einstein once wisely stated, “in the middle
of difficulty, is opportunity”.
