Paraty, RJ, Brasil

As a result of this experience I am more likely to do things I avoided in the past. I see myself as a person with no limits (morals, I do have) but as a person who loves to learn, who loves to question, loves to explore, loves to see and meet people. If it was a job to go around the world and meet people and learn their story, SIGN ME UP! I don't think that throughout the time in Brazil I limited myself, I did everything that I could because I when was the next time I would be able to do this. Even during my fear of heights, I got up to those mountains and looked down, took a deep breath and said to myself "I made it, nothing can stop me." I don't think that I put myself at risk or danger at any time, but I did become aware of my surroundings at different levels. I became aware of who I talked to, who I learned from. The only thing I wish I would have tried not to avoid before flying into Brazil was learn more Portuguese, it would have made it a lot easier, the first couple of days!
 
The people, the people we met and interacted with was what was most enjoyable. I think a person is what gives something a whole new meaning, I must say that the people I met in Paraty are the people I want to surround myself with for the rest of my life and I wouldn't want it any other way. I became part of them, I learned from them and they learned from me. That is a heart-warming and fundamental experience. Learning each individual's story, life, goals, culture, that to me was amazing and beyond words. Because I saw what was beyond the famous beaches, and fancy restaurants, I saw and experienced what Brazil is really about, what Brazil is really made of and what it takes to be a Brazilian. 

I think that what was most difficult and challenging was the constant negative attitudes of people. I don't like to mention names, but it was very difficult to enjoy a meal at a table when someone on the other end was make negative remarks. I know that I enjoyed myself as well as the friends that I made, but it was difficult to try to understand why negativity or rush was involved. Not only did it affect my comfort level, but the level of others, leaving most of us in shock and without words to say without sounding harsh. 
 
The principal benefits from this study abroad was that I learned more about myself in 2 weeks than I had in the past 22 years. I benefited from learning that there are people that don't have a cent to survive. I remember my roots, and I carry my scars with me every where I go. I am not afraid to say who I am and where I come from, I suffered poverty. My parents did the impossible to have food set out for my brother and I, even if they knew they weren't going to get a bite out of it. This experience abroad, helped me embrace this more, it opened my heart and eyes to new opportunities to keep helping those in need. Not just in my native land, but those throughout the world. Because, if they don't have a voice who will speak for them. I want to help those in need, I want to be the guidance that they need to look forward and climb high. 

A country is built on it's people, on the joy and faces of it's people. Brazil, is an opening to a new vision I hope to accomplish. If my parents were able to get me to where I am today, I am able to get the people I want to help to where they want to me and that is what this experience brought to me. The willingness and the strength to become a leader and help those who don't receive much at all.