By Andrea Wilson
The best lessons learned can be learned outside of the classroom. Formal in-class lessons are valuable, but the lessons learned through life can be just as valuable. Traveling has benefits that can provide youth with opportunities to mature and develop. When I refer to youth, I am referring to students of high school and college age. Why should youth travel?
Travel has changed the way I see the world. I have become more socially aware, developed interpersonal skills, and learned how to live within my means. These lessons may be personal to my experience, but I firmly believe youth would gain amazing lessons as well. When people travel, they become more culturally aware, have an open mind to different cultures, and develop more confidence. Prior to traveling, I was unaware of how kind people were. I was often pitched a story that if I traveled abroad, then I would be putting myself in dangerous situations. I was surprised to experience otherwise. The amount of fear I had when I first began traveling is not a fear I identify with currently. When living and traveling throughout other countries is not a threat to my human existence I am in a position to learn more.
Young Travelers can benefit from having an open mind. I am aware that some cultures are more collective than the individualistic American culture. It is easier to believe our way of thinking is the most logical and reasonable. This is only true if people lack perspective and cultural context. For example, I used to believe that living in a collective community only meant not having privacy or discretion, so I shied away from collective experiences. . Living in Guatemala taught me a new perspective and context to collective communities. Collective communities do not lack discretion, but rather they value sharing within their family and gathering together to support and help. People can want to know more about me and still be discrete. It was explained to me that some cultures can be collectivistic within their family and value protecting one another from people who may not be safe. Finding safety in new experiences builds confidence.
Removing the lens that people and new experiences are unsafe paves the way for self-confidence. The moments I challenge myself to stay in uncomfortable situations allowed me moments to grow. When I traveled to Puerto Rico for the first time, I did not understand Spanish outside of being in a classroom. Going to Walmart for the first time and hearing Spanish instead of English was intimidating and frustrating. Living in Puerto Rico for 5 months challenged me to speak Spanish despite not sounding perfect. It taught me I can do hard things.
My hope is that 21 Bridges Languages will provide low-cost travel opportunities to youth who desire to explore a world of opportunities.