Tanzania: Megan Moskal
Program: UW Health, Education & Tanzanian Culture, Summer
Megan’s Major: Genetics and Genomics
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
My most memorable experience took place in Moshi at the Amani Home for Street Kids. Our group arrived here with school supplies and other donations and spent some time interacting with the kids. We got a tour of the facility and played a soccer match against the kids (we lost miserably, which has been the outcome of all groups that have traveled with UW but one). What struck me most about this experience was the children’s resilience. Despite dealing with constant hunger, pain, and trauma, they persisted. Every day, they find ways to come together, whether it be through dancing, singing, cleaning, learning, playing soccer, or just being plain old kids. This experience was heartbreaking yet joyful. It was great to see that a facility like Amani exists, giving many kids a second chance at life. I will forever be inspired by the spirit of the Amani kids in Moshi.
Try everything, do everything you can, and appreciate every single moment. You can never take enough photos, but don’t forget to step back and just allow yourself to feel what you are experiencing.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
Upon my return, I found myself with an entirely new lens on life. I was able to see how different our cultures are and I noticed I had a new awareness of what it means to have privilege. This new lens has allowed me to better myself and those around me, even if through small actions every day. I learned and realized how divided our country is despite having seemingly everything. I learned so much more about culture through a first hand experience. And, I learned that I need to continue to push myself and go through discomfort in order to grow and become the best version of myself.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
Before the trip, I was so nervous. Traveling across the world with a group of 10 strangers doesn’t exactly bring you instant comfort. But I will say that those nerves vanish as soon as you arrive. To get the most out of this experience, you need to fully immerse yourself in the culture. Talk to the locals– ask them where they live, what they do for work, who they live with, what they do for fun, what they think of their country. You will learn so much from this first hand conversation. Try everything, do everything you can, and appreciate every single moment. You can never take enough photos, but don’t forget to step back and just allow yourself to feel what you are experiencing. I also think it is good to do research on the culture and learn as much as you can before hand so that you can transition into Tanzanian life more smoothly. When I returned home, I thought to myself, how lucky am I to have had something that has been so hard to leave. This trip is amazing, and I have no regrets. Just put yourself out there, live in the moment, and enjoy the company around you!