Fellow Stories
True gap year stories from Fellows abroad!
Check out the latest blogs from Global Citizen Year Fellows in Brazil, Ecuador, and India!
Category
Class Year
Country
Who do you want to become?
Brooke Donner
2016-01-12
After receiving answers like “teacher,” “nurse,” and “soldier,” Mr. Sall turned to me and asked, “What do you want to become in the future?” As I looked out at the classroom full of 13 year old students, my mind flickered to the list of college majors I’ve been poring over, diligently noting which pre-requisite and...
Read MoreA Change in Seasons
Janet Sebastian-Coleman
2016-01-10
Since the beginning of my homestay in Ibel the landscape around me has shifted and changed almost every week. In this video I sought to capture a brief glimpse the beauty of both the rainy season, dry season, and the transition between the two. https://vimeo.com/151280174
Read MoreSenegal 2016 Fellows Video
Janet Sebastian-Coleman
2016-01-09
A video of appreciation for my fellow fellows, it wouldn't be the same without them. https://vimeo.com/151225163
Read MoreA Day in the Life
Janet Sebastian-Coleman
2016-01-09
Mid-December: My dream fades and I am aware I am laying down, tangled up in sheets and wrap skirts; the morning has arrived. A silver light frames my closed window and a soft breeze sneaks beneath my door and ripples the curtain. I adjust the sweatshirt that serves as my pillow and wonder at the time, could I close...
Read MoreLooking Back, Thinking Forward
Allison Douma
2016-01-09
Sometimes I like to think back to what I was doing this time a year ago. This time last year I was starting my second semester of my senior year and gearing up for a rocky college process, that would leave me hopeless with dwindling confidence. After I got told I wasn’t good enough to...
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The Jewel of India
Elizabeth Schubert
2016-01-05
In 1631, after giving birth to her 14th child, Mughul Empress Mumtaz Mahal called her husband to her death bed. Her last words were pleads to the Emperor Shah Jahan. First, he must never remarry. Second, he must raise their children like a father, not as a king. And third, he must build her a tomb so magnificent, the whole...
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A Love Letter
Elena Doss
2016-01-03
Dear Ecuador, Four short months ago, I was a young traveler trying to find my calling. I’ll admit I was overwhelmed the first time we met. Your difference in lifestyle, motion and language challenged my ideal thoughts. You pushed me to stretch my comfort zone, by making sure I had to ride three buses to...
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Mantras, self reflection, rice and cows
Charlotte Robbins
2016-01-03
The past four months have changed me. Wow I think we are all cringing at the cliche. But it’s true. Bummer. I’m not a drastically different person — actually I think I’m just more me. I’ve changed in little ways: I’m more patient, grateful, and empathetic; I’m not shy about speaking up about something I...
Read MoreTrying to Envision the Future
Makaleh Smith
2016-01-02
In September, we were told to make a “vision statement”. Basically, at the end of these eight months abraod, what we hope to have accomplished. Knowing that I am perfectly imperfect human being, I may not fully accomplish all of the following visions. However, seeing that it is New Years, I can’t see a better...
Read MoreThe People I Meet
Emery Harwell
2015-12-31
When I was applying to college last year, I remember UNC Chapel Hill had a prompt about micro-moments of human connection. Bummer that this isn’t a prompt this year, because damn could I write a good essay. My time in Ecuador is a non-stop learning experience. A lot of my learning is done on my...
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New Year Resolutions
ericagonzales08
2015-12-31
January is approaching. Four months have gone by, and I only have three months left. Three, very short months that I should be taking advantage of. But the past two weeks, I’ve desperately been trying to stay present. My mind has only focused on my upcoming travels to explore other areas of Brazil. After booking...
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Congratulations Parinitha & Vikram
Alana Poole
2015-12-30
You are both so lovely, and I wish you all the best. Thank you for having me at your wedding.
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