The summer before my junior year of college altered the trajectory of my life in ways I never expected. I remember sitting in my college dorm room in Arizona, staring at an application due in less than 24 hours for a six-week mission trip to Estonia. I felt conflicted as to whether I should go because it involved visiting a country I knew nothing about with a team of people I had never met. And yet, the trip presented the opportunity to experience a unique culture, travel Europe, and make new friends.
Despite all the unknowns, I took a leap of faith and opened myself up to whatever the experience might bring. I pressed “submit,” and in less than a week, I was selected to be part of the team.
In Estonia, I found myself working alongside a wonderful group of people from Colorado Springs. These people met me with open arms and challenged me to grow in ways I had never thought possible. I learned how to engage with people from a unique culture, develop meaningful relationships over a short period of time, and practice a posture of open handedness and vulnerability.
That openness led me to try things I never thought I would—like kiiking (a traditional Estonian sport involving a giant swing), eating a fisheye, and singing karaoke. I may never have tried these fear-inducing activities had I not met such incredible people and taken part in this life-changing experience.
What started out as a small, daunting step turned into a life altering decision; I moved to Colorado Springs and transferred to UCCS. Doing so gave me the opportunity to further invest in the wonderful community I had found. Ultimately, going to Estonia and stepping outside of my comfort zone gave me the courage to move here. Though it was intimidating at first, I have learned how to meet challenges with tenacity and welcome new opportunities. That decision allowed me to build a loving community, foster a growth mindset, and pursue a career in service.
Had I not gone on the trip, I never would have moved to Colorado, nor would I have discovered my passion for nonprofit work. Practicing open-mindedness hasn’t always been easy, but it has been the most fulfilling and worthwhile process.
