University of Arkansas Office of Study Abroad: A Grand Finale, Indeed! #HogsAbroad

*Warning, long, yet inspiring post*

Greetings from United Airlines! I’m currently on the plane headed to San Francisco, reflecting on the last 2 weeks and finishing my last blog post. We have spent the past 2 days relaxing and enjoying the beautiful island of Phu Quoc. This island is becoming the international destination for vacationers. Most of the island is under construction because it has become such a touristic hotspot.

Our resort was located on the beach and was absolutely amazing! Those two weeks of hard work made the weekend definitely worth it. While on the island we visited a pearl factory, a pepper farm, a vineyard, the night market, went squid fishing, and visited an old prison. I could go on and on about everything we did but it was just so much. Just know that we were all sad to leave. I was really hoping our flight would be delayed a day or two so we could have more time at the resort (wishful thinking).

All of the activities were great, but the best part of it to me was that all of our Vietnamese students that volunteered and helped us during our stay also had the chance to visit the island with us. One of the students said that he had never been to Phu Quoc, never been on a plane, and never been on a boat. In one full day, we flew to island and went fishing on a boat. It really made me happy that he got the opportunity to accomplish some things that he wanted to do but never could afford.

As we said our goodbyes this morning at the airport it was quite emotional. A couple of the Vietnamese seemed to be taking our departure very hard. One looked as if he had been crying and one was actually crying. Some of us were even beginning to be teary-eyed, myself included. Let me just say that even when I have to say the hardest goodbyes I am NEVER that person that breaks down crying. I had to leave and go check-in just to keep from actually crying. It is mind boggling how powerful the atmosphere was and how attached we grew to strangers in just 2 weeks. We all promised to keep in touch through Facebook.

I must say, of my 3 times studying abroad, this study abroad experience has topped them all! It has truly been the most influential and definitely the most humbling experience that I’ve ever had to go through. It just blows my mind that I was blessed to have the opportunity to enhance not only a local community, but a country, and society as a whole. I read an article one time about “why your mission trip doesn’t matter.” While this wasn’t a mission trip, it did have the same premise-to actively contribute your time and effort for the betterment of the people. Thinking about that article made me ponder if I and my colleagues truly have made a difference. I have seriously debated with myself on the issue (I have 12 hours so I’ve got to waste time somehow).

Through much thinking, I honestly believe that we have made a difference. Did we solve all of Vietnam’s economic problems? No. Did we build an entire community? No. Did we increase the literacy rate to 100%? No. But we did do something greater than all of those things combined…we changed the world.

One thing I remember Dr. Farmer saying before we left for the program is that “we are just laying a brick within a wall.” After finishing this program I understand completely. We may not have made THE most influential impact right NOW, but we have made an everlasting impact. My colleagues and I laid the foundation for a better life in Vietnam. If you know anything about architecture, then you know that the foundation of a home or a building is arguably the most important part of the entire project. With a strong foundation you will have a SUSTAINABLE home that will endure whatever is thrown its way. And that’s exactly what we did in Vietnam. This advancement will weather the test of time and not only benefit the community, but the country as a whole. And in result, hopefully benefit the world. Whether it be opening agreements through trading goods and services or simply giving a Vietnamese student the chance to better their life by traveling abroad as traveling abroad has bettered mine.

I said this trip was the Grand Finale, and I was right! I am blessed, honored, privileged, and humbled to have participated in ALL of my study abroad programs. God has been good to me and I’m thankful for all he has done.

I hate to name names because I know I’ll leave someone out, but I would like to give thanks to the BEST business college in the world, Walton College for awarding me scholarships to study abroad. And a VERY SPECIAL thank you to MY office, Office of Study Abroad, for everything you have done for myself and other students.

Be on the lookout for my next adventure.