So, you’re starting off your first year of university. It’s exciting and it’s new: making new friends, having new experiences, and feeling the joys of freedom for the first time. Or maybe you’re uncertain and nervous—not sure what to expect, or if you’ll fit in, and face it: you don’t even know what you want to do…

I get it: I’ve been at both ends of the spectrum. But, what university comes down to is dreaming. You’re pursing education because you either have a dream, or you have yet to discover your dream and you are hoping to uncover it. University fosters dreaming. However, when you’re buried under essays and missing home, it can be hard to remember why you packed up all of your things and began the big, scary adventure of post-secondary schooling.

I have felt discouraged about my schooling because it is easy to feel lost: more aware of the papers and tests right in front of you rather than the purpose behind the degree at all. It is for this loss of vision and purpose that I signed up to go on a travel study.

My dream is to help people. I want those in the developing world to reach their potential and feel significant—to find purpose and hope in doing what they love. When I went to the Dominican Republic to see and experience my dream in action, it brought back joy and life into my studies again.

In the Dominican we not only learned and observed the organization we went with, but we also got to interview individuals living in poverty. I was able to work hands-on in an area I am passionate about, and through it I cultivated the drive to continue on with my degree.

You may not be through your first year, or even first week, of university. Maybe you are still uncertain of what you want to do, or even if you should apply at all. However, I would encourage you to take a step—or perhaps it is a giant leap—of faith. Discover your dreams and passions through experiencing classes, and then go on a travel study and experience the world. Let your adventures bring about life and joy to your studies.

Tiffany