Western
Jurisdiction
United Methodist Volunteers
In Mission
UMVIM--a life-changing experience!
I find myself at a crossroads in my life. I am positive it will not be the last, but I feel the weight of my decision will affect my entire world and future – who wouldn’t want to choose the right path? Trying to distinguish myself between a child with dreams of the world, and a sensible woman with realistic and honest goals, I struggle to find who I really am.
Ever since I was in third grade, I have dreamt of the stars. I have always wanted to be an astronaut and I have kept that dream alive even through high school. I tailored my curriculum around math and sciences so that it would be possible for me to attain my goal. I applied to a very specialized college that would put me on the right path to space. I even traveled thousands of miles to Florida to tour the campus. When I got there I realized something that shattered my entire world…perhaps my childhood ambitions really were just dreams. Reevaluating the plan I had for the majority of my life was easier said than done and brought a torrent of emotion. Being honest with myself is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do. My life has taken a turn, and I am forced to distinguish between a nostalgic longing for my childhood dream, and the reality it’s a different route I want to take.
This February I had a glimpse of the future. I went to Chihuahua City, Mexico for a week with the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM). A life changing experience, I came away from it a new person. This was something I could see myself doing, helping other people and using my language skills. I have an overwhelming interest to travel and to learn about other cultures and I can actually see myself in a humanitarian career. That week in the city allowed me to get to know the people and how they live. There is such a contrast between what I recognize as happiness and their perceptions. These people don’t have nearly the luxuries I enjoy; yet they are so content. Speaking with the children made me feel at home and I saw how tiny my scope of the world is. My mind started racing about all of the places and people I still had to see – how could I experience all these things in one lifetime? Indescribable excitement filled my heart when I started to imagine all the places I could go, from the jungle of South America to the deserts of South Africa. I want to touch people, I want to learn from them, and I want to be immersed in their culture.
So instead of going to Florida so that I can begin my trek down a career I’m not entirely sure of, I have decided to go to Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. I intend to start with a Latin American Studies degree and pick up a few more languages than Spanish. After I receive my degree I want to join the Peace Corps for a few years. There are so many opportunities out there to help, and this is a great way to begin.
Working this out has lifted a great weight off my shoulders. I can honestly reconcile my feelings to myself and know I will find happiness. I feel a calling to help people and to experience cultures. I have a long life ahead of me; I can always come back to the astronaut dream, but for now I’ll stick to something I know is real. My desire to make a difference is stronger than ever, and I am on my way.
Vicki Gustaveson- Bonners Ferry UMC (Idaho)