Wollongong, Australia

Why I chose to go to Australia: I want to get beyond stereotypes about Australia and experience it for myself. Most of the information available about this beautiful country is either to be found in textbooks or in tourist/travel magazines. I also want to test my independence — I’ll be farther away from home than I’ve ever been before.

What I identified as the greatest challenges facing me as I began my study abroad program: There are very few African Americans there. During most of my school years, I’ve been in situations where I was one of very few African Americans, but I could always see my family, or go to a big city like Detroit or Chicago when I needed a break from that situation. I know it will be hard for me to be away from my sister and my good friends, but it won’t stop me in my quest to learn and grow as much as I can.

My ICRP: I helped to prepare a drop site for a small skydiving business (I did everything from mowing a field with a tractor -- and me a Detroit girl! -- to building a handicap-accessible restroom).  I then went on to learn a lot about the Australian tourist industry, and the place "extreme sports" occupy within that industry.

See contact page to arrange a speaking engagement.

Read excerpts from my letters home.