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
Then and Now
Abigail Foy
2016-01-31
As I stare at a blurry photo of me and my family on my very first day of living in my new home, it seems almost as if I am looking at a different person. This person I see certainly looks like me, but she’s standing next to strangers – not her family. She doesn’t...
Read MoreUnexpected Lessons
Gabriella Westcott
2016-01-30
Again, again, and again us fellows were warned of the evil that would come about if we had these certain things embedded in our minds. These things that could ultimately cause a harder time while in community by setting us up for possible success but most likely tearing us down by the shock of everything...
Read More10 Things You May Not Know About Ecuador:
Hugo Santiago
2016-01-24
If you are applying (or thinking of applying) to the amazing one-of-a-kind spectacular program that goes by the name of Global Citizen Year and you’re not sure which country to apply for…let me tell you about my host country, Ecuador by providing you with “10 Things You May Not Know About My Kick-Butt Country” To...
Read MoreBy April
Anita Yan Chen
2016-01-13
By April, I will have received a new name. I don’t know what it will be, but I know that person who awaits me on the other side of this journey, will be vastly different, a leveled up version of me. More resilient, more prone to laughter, more accepting of herself and of what she doesn’t...
Read MoreLil’ T
Anita Yan Chen
2016-01-13
Until a few weeks ago, I had three host sisters. But one weekend, Nene, after a visit to nearby Guinea, had a little 5-year-old clinging to her side. She was introduced to me as my tokora, one who has the same name. And like that, a little sister was added to my ever-growing family. DAY...
Read MoreRapid Roll
Anita Yan Chen
2016-01-13
Upon our arrival in Dakar back in September, the Senegal fellows and I were all issued cellphones. These babies were OG Nokias – the indestructible, would-survive-the-apocalypse type. Besides being useful for texting messages to our fellow fellows, (letter by letter on the numeric keypad) things like: “ok u wouldn’t believe where i just found an...
Read MoreWho 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 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...
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