Pre-Departure

Always
remember
that you are
absolutely
unique.

Just like
everyone else.

Margaret Mead
Anthropologist

I was reading today a little about Margaret Mead, the famous cultural anthropologist that daringly ventured into the South Pacific to do research. She went alone, she was a woman, and no one yet knew the the local language or the dangers of its people. I'm impressed by her courage and her ability to adapt so quickly.

As I prepare for my departure tomorrow morning, I'm reflecting on Mead's message to mankind: everyone is unique. We must be receptive and accepting of others. I don't think we can make such broad generalizations about a people, or the culture, because everyone is so unique. I'm not entirely sure what my duties with the kindergarten will be for the next seven weeks, but I'm keeping an open mind and am SO excited for whatever they have me do.

So, here is a quick synopsis of what I do know about my trip:

I can't speak Indonesian!

I'm an intern with Global Ednovation, a kindergarten (and it was set up through AIESEC)

I'll be staying with a host family in Malang

It will take me 2 days to get there (including a 15hr flight from Chicago to Hong Kong!)

I leave on May 7 and return on June 28.

Indonesia is beautiful...and really good SCUBA diving I hear

There are 450 species of snakes in Indonesia. Oh dear.