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Exploring Global Problems and Inspiring Personal Growth

A societal trait that seems to be primarily associated with poverty is immobility. I have
lived in underprivileged cities of Los Angeles and San Bernardino, and even visited similar
communities in Detroit since I came to the University of Michigan. Many of their inhabitants
rarely leave their cities, and rely on short term business to skim by on living necessities. After
realizing this, I made travel a goal of mine. I went to the Center for Global and Intercultural
Studies office in Angell Hall regularly to await the release of the most recent study abroad
brochure. I felt drawn to the Global and Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates (GIEU) for
many reasons. While I had never heard of a service-learning abroad trip, I liked the idea of not
taking classes, immersing deeply in the community, and working hands on to make an immediate
impact. I chose this over other options because it seemed most personally suitable and financially
possible, also not many options are open to freshmen through CGIS. I diligently worked on the
application and received my acceptance into the Peru Group 2 five days before my eighteenth
birthday. As I explore the mission, history, and effect behind the Urubamba project, I grow more
passionate about the program. I believe participation will allow me to learn about global
problems and introduce a special, personal growth.
Learning about problems that occur in other countries will contribute to my short term
goal of being an asset to the Global Scholars Program, my long term goal of attaining a Bachelor
of Science in Engineering and minor in Entrepreneurship, and a life goal of creating a company
that performs worldwide service. In addition to Global and Intercultural Experience for
Undergraduates, I was recently admitted into the Global Scholars Program associated with North
Quadrangle Residence Hall. I believe that having an experience to relate to the mission of the
program will allow me to develop more effectively when I participate. I joined both of these
programs because I wish to give my engineering degree a global twist to it. I want to be able to
solve problems around the world, which requires knowing more about other cultures and their
technological standpoints, which likely differ from the United States. All of these traits
contribute to my longest goal of running an engineering company that functions internationally.
While I already have a few business ideas, I am seeking inspiration from the Peru trip to
concentrate on other problems. For instance, my current business idea surrounds the energy
crisis, but I know that other nations have more severe and immediate problems that I could solve.
Not only could this trip spark entrepreneurial curiosity, but it could also help me narrow down

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which engineering I want to do based on the hands on work we complete and my opinion about
it. Overall, my trip to Peru could be the first stepping stone for many opportunities to come.
I will blossom from surpassing limits I thought were not possible, developing interactive
skills, and exploring creativity while I am abroad. Simultaneously, I will contribute to work that
benefits a community. Travel is a goal for many, but unfortunately, not always realistic. When I
signed my GIEU contract, I realized that some way or another this trip will occur. That reality
still has not completely settled in, but I am proud to be in the works of making something happen
that I once thought to be impractical. I hope to apply this drive to other aspects of life by trying
not to place limitations on myself, but rather creating the most realistic plan of action possible
and utilizing growth mindset. More in depth, when I am there, I will grow personally by learning
to interact with a foreign culture. I cannot predict which obstacles will occur, or what I will
specifically learn, but I know from culture shock experiences at the University of Michigan that
it is essential to learn how to function in all sorts of cultures. Based on my growth being here, I
can only imagine how I will change in that short month. Aside from my benefits, serving
Urubamba is a key factor. The community still cooks over open fires, which leads to health
defects and food limitations, especially in the winter. Also, the community lacks a water filtration
system, which could produce devastating effects if it does not receive immediate attention. Those
will be the problems of focus during the trip. I look forward to understanding how other
communities use their nearby resources and different perspectives to develop solutions.
The Global and Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates will be a life changing
experience for me. I truly believe I will grow tremendously both academically and personally
through this involvement. Fortunately, I do not have many sacrifices I must make to attend the
trip. This roots from my lack of authority figures due to growing up in foster care. As long as I
handle all of the requirements on my end, which none of them are out of reach, I will be eligible.
My only concern involves finances because I do not have many modes of funding this trip. On
my to-do list, I listed some items that I cannot complete until I have confirmed funding, but I
believe that my efforts of trying to tackle the problem early will yield positive results.