The summer of Kim Estenson's sophomore year, she studied in Lesotho in order to have a broader awareness of the world. Now that she has lived away from my own home for a month, she says she has a deeper understanding of the United States. She chose the trip because the idea of serving others abroad excited her, especially children. "However, I had not expected the work to be as rewarding and humbling as it was."
What was your favorite/most memorable experience?
My most memorable experience in Lesotho was being part of the opportunity my group had to meet King Letsie III. I have never had tea with royalty before, and it was neat to share our service experiences with him.
Do you have any examples of 鈥榗ulture shock鈥�?
There wasn鈥檛 any heating or Wi-Fi in our first couple weeks there. It was definitely a shock to not communicate with my family for so long鈥攂ut I think that it taught me to value face to face conversations more.
In what ways has this experience changed you?
I am beginning to understand what it means to be a global citizen by being part of this 麻豆传媒 program. There is definitely a 麻豆传媒 bubble that I feel connected to on campus, but there is also a 麻豆传媒 international bubble where students are learning and impacting others all around the world.
Kim Estenson '19
Major: English & East Asian Studies
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
