Pre-Move Reflection

It is only 3 days before I hop on a flight from Chicago to Miami, then Miami to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. 

It is only 3 days before I begin a new job with a global health non-profit.  

It is only 3 days before I become an American expat living in Honduras.  

It is only 3 days before I relinquish control of my cozy life.  

So why am I making this move in my life?  Lots of people look astonished or taken aback when I tell them of my upcoming job.  No one can believe that a 20 year old female college student purposely sought out this job.  So let me explain why I've decided to embark on this journey. 

Working for this global health non-profit is my dream

Some people may not know that I've already travelled with this company before.  I have been in the very shoes of the students I will now be helping through my job.  I have seen firsthand how caring this company is of the culture and values of the communities it helps.  It is only because of these insights that I have chosen to work for this company.  I jokingly told my parents and friends that I would love to work for this company in the future, and the universe decided to call my bluff.      

Life is too short to live by a 'what if' mindset

Many people can't grasp why I would leave my cozy lifestyle and move to this third world country with a level 3 travel advisory.  I told myself early on in the application process that if the job was offered, I would take the job no matter what.  I had to tell myself this because my mind was overrun with so many hypothetical, 'what if' situations.

What if something happens to my family and I'm stuck in a different country? 

What if I'm not qualified enough for this position? 

What if I have a hard time making friends?  

What if *fill in the blank*

I have a great support system  

One of the most common responses I hear is "And your parents are supportive of this?" Yes, my parents, boyfriend, and friends are supportive of my decision.  I'm following my dreams and putting my passions to good use- why wouldn't they be supportive?  It's not their job to have absolute control of my life and they respect my decisions.  But there is mutual respect here; I greatly value what my parents have to say and I take their advice to heart.

Although I don't know what to expect from this move in the upcoming months,I do know that I'm currently living in the moment to enjoy the ups and downs that life is preparing to throw my way.  I also know that this job will give me the space and opportunity to grow as an individual and as a young professional.