I have been asked this question quite a bit so I want to answer for all of you! 

I have enjoyed my time in the UK and now Europe immensely! I have recently had a few cool things happen over the last week.

• I have a meeting with the VP of Europe and the Middle East of United Way Worldwide – she’s in Paris. (Thank you Zan and Nacho!)
• I was introduced to 3 people in Ireland. One is more politically based and promotes equality and diversity within her role. I need to learn more about her. 1 is ceo of a chamber in Dublin and the other manages the Guinness Enterprise and is the CEO of World Sports Team. (Thank you Deb!)
• I was also recently introduced to the founder and CEO of the Akilah Institute. I’m not sure if you’re familiar but this was a huge win for me. It’s a school in Rwanda, Africa that works to educate women and prepare them for career. I was immediately asked for my resume so I’m hopeful to work with them in some capacity. We’ll see! (Thank you Betty!)
• I signed up for workaway.com which matches you with potential families, organizations, hostels, etc… For employment or trade work (in this case, trade meaning giving you food and a place to live versus payment).  I have already been contacted by a school in Uganda and a family in Spain. (Thank you Maria! Maria is a hostelmate from Italy that I met in Galway. She is working for a hostel as a way to travel around the world for less money. SMART!)
• Sara with United Nations Women and Nacho with United Way Espana continue to be amazing resources. Grateful for them!

I’m traveling, moving every few days but trying to build a network as well. All but one of the leads that I have mentioned started with people I know in Tampa that have shown an interest in what I’m doing. I am grateful for the support I have received. Now it’s just about moving forward and connecting the dots.

I didn’t plan to begin “the search” until I hit Europe. I figured I would give myself some time to breathe and regroup after leaving USF.  I wanted to just travel a little bit and then when I learned Audra would be coming – that solidified it! The UK was a time of exploring, drinking tea, trying whiskey and any local beer they recommended! It was a true holiday! 

I ended up going to a little cafe in London (Retro Cafe) after being there 3 days (February 12).   I sent 3 emails that turned out to be super helpful!  One was an email exchange with Betty, one to Benedicte with United Way Worldwide and the other to Nacho with UW Espana. By the time I made it to Edinburgh and connect to wifi, I had heard from all 3 of them! That’s just spectacular! 

Next Steps

I plan to work in some capacity through Work Away.  Some pay, some just give you a free place to stay.  

• The family who contacted me wants to learn English and offered to teach me Spanish as well as a place to stay in Salamanca, Spain!  That honestly sounds like a dream!  They have two little girls who look adorable … And I would love to actually become more familiar with Spanish. I may just do that even if only for a short time since I’ll be in Spain in March anyway!
• The school that contacted me is in Uganda. I have already started conversations with them because that’s ultimately my dream experience.  
• I am also going to diligently research organizations that might be a good fit – whether to learn from them in a volunteer capacity, internship or paid employment. Obviously Iam in search of paid employment but I want to ensure it’s the right organization that will lead to the career I am envisioning and pursuing.  

The Purpose of the Journey

I have recently embarked on a journey to travel the world to work, explore, share and learn. I am passionate about making a global impact and assist in efforts to build a world in which every woman and girl can exercise her rights, receive an education and live up to her full potential. 

I have always had a dream of working internationally on global solutions. Making connections (person to person, person to a cause, corporation to a cause, etc.) is a passion; working more efficiently together. I am hoping to make the most of this experience; to learn more about the landscape of the nonprofit scene on a global level. 

I am hungry for information and hungry to learn more about the world we live in; the various needs and how to match funding/resources as appropriate; how each government (local/national) play a role;  and many more questions!  I have a particular interest in women’s initiatives and efforts, specifically the advancement of women through the education of girls.

Going Against the Current,

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