That's A Wrap!

I have had this blog post started since the day after we flew into Buffalo. I have never procrastinated so badly on an assignment that I have cared so dearly about. It has been hard for me to sit down and write one final blog post reflecting on this amazing trip. I became accustomed to writing my blog posts sitting at my desk in the room I stayed in while in Chile, looking out the window seeing the Andes Mountains, usually paired with a gorgeous sunset being reflected on the peeks. Being home and trying to write this blog post in my room or some other place in my own home, is not the way I wish to be writing my final reflections of this trip. I have had plenty of time to reflect on my time and recap for everyone all of the amazing things I was able to do while in Santiago, Chile. There are many things I have taken away from this trip that have helped me grow into a more educated professional and individual in society.
When I first decided to become a teacher, I encountered many negative phrases and opinions of education that make it hard to remain encouraged about my future career. When you hear the following daily, “Don’t get burned out” “You aren’t going to make ANY money” “All you have to do is babysit and play with kids all day” “If you can’t do, then teach”, it becomes difficult to block out the negative and stay positive. Throughout this trip, the time I spent inwardly reflecting, either through my blog posts or just quiet time I had, gave me the opportunity to re-center my focus any time I felt run down, discouraged, or fed up. As there are more demands to come in my future, I am glad this trip has given me the opportunity to learn to live a balanced life with a healthy mindset.
Personally, I have always been interested in the differences of the cultures our world is made up of. I do not want to live with the stereotypical or surface level information I could gain from Google or a book. After being immersed in the culture of Chile, I do not think there is any other way I would want to learn of another’s culture, except through first hand experience. The differences that are represented amongst the populations of this world usually scare people into never educating themselves on the riches that we can encounter. In the present world we live in, there are many people who choose to live by following the saying “ignorance is bliss”, but that also usually comes with fear, anxiety, and worry of what the rest of the world holds. I am excited to continue to travel God’s beautiful world and discover the beautiful people that come with it.
The greatest most important thing I learned about myself on this trip is I am absolutely, 100%, no doubt in my mind, positively sure that God intended me to be a teacher. I never felt more energized or refueled than I did after going to a field placement while in Santiago. I plan to continue to travel, to teach, and grow my understanding of the world I am a part of until I can’t anymore.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone that supported me through this trip. Anyone that supported me monetarily, emotionally, spiritually, and any other way you can think of, you are the reason my trip was such a success. I hope everyone is prepared to hear me talk about Chile for the rest of my life because there is no way I can not share such an amazing experience.
 
For the last time, God bless!
 
Katie Welch

My typical view of the mountains while I wrote my blog posts. One last view of the Andes Mountains. I miss those mountains!