As I then started exploring what I wanted to do, I got an amazing offer to keep working with Transitions to help run the program that my research is being used to develop. Once I heard they really wanted me to stay and work with them, I was honored and knew it would be an incredible opportunity providing me with such unique professional experience. It would be a dream come true, and exactly the kind of job I'd always dreamed of having. In fact, for my age and where I am in my career, it would be better than anything I ever could have imagined I'd have the chance to do at this point in my life. The only problem is that it meant I'd have to stay in Cambodia.
At the same time as this offer to work in Cambodia, I was also presented with the idea of moving to Madrid, Spain. For my entire life I have said I want to live in a Spanish-speaking country so I could become fluent in Spanish. There is something about the culture and the language which I have just fallen in love with, and I have wanted so badly to be able to say I'm bi-lingual. Initially when I decided to go abroad after graduating from university, I said I wanted to live and work in South America, and well, we can all see how that didn't exactly happen. I then learned my sister and brother-in-law were planning on staying in Madrid for another year, and that the program they're apart of was accepting applications. Here it was. The perfect opportunity for me to live in a Spanish-speaking country. What's better than being in Europe, living with my sister and brother-in-law, and getting a job that gives me a decent wage, health care, and paid holidays? What's there to complain about? NOTHING! That was the problem.
I was then faced with the decision of either doing a job I love and that would be great for my career in a country I didn't really want to be in any longer, or doing a job that didn't excite me all that much in a place that I've always dreamed of living in. I don't think I've ever been so torn in my life. Both options are dreams of mine. So which dream should I choose? These questions were literally on my mind for weeks and it was one of the most challenging decisions I've ever had to make. Career goal or personal goal?
In the end, after weeks of stressful and emotional conversations and reflection, I decided to pursue the goal I've had for so long - move to a Spanish-speaking country and become fluent in Spanish. So, there you have it folks. I'm moving to Madrid, Spain at the end of August to teach English part-time. Is the job ideal? No. But will it be spectacular and will I find ways to get involved in anti-trafficking and use the professional skills I've developed? Absolutely.
I will be continuing my own personal research to gain a third cultural perspective on domestic sex trafficking across the world. I understand what happens, why it happens, and how it happens in the United States from all of the work I did there during university, in Cambodia and Southeast Asia because of my research and time here on the Fulbright, and now I will be looking for a European perspective during my time in Spain. Additionally, I plan on finding anti-trafficking organizations I can get involved in and volunteer with. My heart is with this issue, and I will do everything in my power to get connected and make sure I use my passion, skills, and experience to help those affected by such a horrific injustice.
I am so excited about this upcoming journey, and although it's bitter-sweet to leave Cambodia, I really believe it's the right decision for me. I need to pursue this personal goal I've had my whole life, and once I do that, I will feel free to then put all of my focus on my career goals. In the end, it will make me a much better social worker, and most importantly, a better person. After I spend a little time taking care of myself and my needs and wants, I will then be able to take care of other people's needs and wants.
So, here we go. I'm off to Spain for at least 9 months....
¡Viva España!
I was then faced with the decision of either doing a job I love and that would be great for my career in a country I didn't really want to be in any longer, or doing a job that didn't excite me all that much in a place that I've always dreamed of living in. I don't think I've ever been so torn in my life. Both options are dreams of mine. So which dream should I choose? These questions were literally on my mind for weeks and it was one of the most challenging decisions I've ever had to make. Career goal or personal goal?
In the end, after weeks of stressful and emotional conversations and reflection, I decided to pursue the goal I've had for so long - move to a Spanish-speaking country and become fluent in Spanish. So, there you have it folks. I'm moving to Madrid, Spain at the end of August to teach English part-time. Is the job ideal? No. But will it be spectacular and will I find ways to get involved in anti-trafficking and use the professional skills I've developed? Absolutely.
I will be continuing my own personal research to gain a third cultural perspective on domestic sex trafficking across the world. I understand what happens, why it happens, and how it happens in the United States from all of the work I did there during university, in Cambodia and Southeast Asia because of my research and time here on the Fulbright, and now I will be looking for a European perspective during my time in Spain. Additionally, I plan on finding anti-trafficking organizations I can get involved in and volunteer with. My heart is with this issue, and I will do everything in my power to get connected and make sure I use my passion, skills, and experience to help those affected by such a horrific injustice.
I am so excited about this upcoming journey, and although it's bitter-sweet to leave Cambodia, I really believe it's the right decision for me. I need to pursue this personal goal I've had my whole life, and once I do that, I will feel free to then put all of my focus on my career goals. In the end, it will make me a much better social worker, and most importantly, a better person. After I spend a little time taking care of myself and my needs and wants, I will then be able to take care of other people's needs and wants.
So, here we go. I'm off to Spain for at least 9 months....
¡Viva España!
