As I sit at the airport with a few of my classmates waiting to board the plane that will officially kickoff my trip to Peru, I find myself filled with anticipation and excitement for the adventures and learning experiences that lie ahead. Joining me on this journey are 19 amazing students, all embarking on a unique exploration of indigeneity in the Americas. With guidance from our instructor, Dr. Beasley-Murray, and our TA, Daniel Orizaga, this interdisciplinary study promises to offer profound insights into the complex interplay between history, culture, and identity—a subject close to my heart as a Psychology student with aspirations to become a Psychiatrist.
Now a bit about me—I returned to school as a mature student with the ultimate goal of working with those who struggle with addictions and concurrent disorders. This endeavor was sparked by my time serving in the military, as I witnessed many, myself included, develop compulsive harmful behaviors while attempting to cope with stress and suppress trauma. Outside of my studies at UBC I am a peer support worker with the Student Recovery Community. In this role I talk with students that are struggling with behavioral or substance addictions and meet them where they’re at in order to support them in achieving their self-determined goals. I believe that self-determination is an essential component to goal-attainment and each person has unique lived experience from which wisdom can be gleaned.
My academic background in Psychology has provided me with a foundational understanding of human behavior and the intricacies of the mind. Yet, I believe that true learning extends beyond the confines of textbooks and lecture halls. Traveling to foreign countries offers a firsthand encounter with diverse cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, enriching my psychological worldview in ways that traditional education cannot replicate.
In Peru, I anticipate delving into the rich tapestry of indigenous cultures that have thrived in the Andean region for millennia. By immersing myself in local communities and engaging with indigenous practices, I hope to gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of identity formation and cultural resilience. This experiential learning opportunity aligns seamlessly with my goal of becoming a Psychiatrist, as it underscores the importance of cultural competency and understanding in providing effective mental health care.
One aspect of this trip that particularly excites me is the opportunity to collaborate with my fellow classmates and learn from their personal insights. Coming from various academic backgrounds and cultural contexts, each member of our cohort brings a unique perspective to the table. I believe that working alongside peers with different viewpoints fosters creativity, critical thinking, and mutual respect—qualities essential for navigating the complexities of global issues such as indigeneity and cultural identity.
Studying and learning abroad is a privilege that I do not take for granted. It offers a chance to step outside of my comfort zone, confront preconceived notions, and embrace the unfamiliar with open arms. I am grateful for the support of UBC and the Go Global program in facilitating this transformative experience, and I am eager to seize every opportunity for growth and discovery that awaits me in Peru!
2 replies on “awaiting departure”
You have such a unorthodox chain of events that have led you to the go global program but it all makes so much sense when you describe it. I really admire the holistic approach and broad persepctive you take with you in your study of pyschology. I myself have felt lost in seeking proper mental health care as I felt that many of the individualistic approaches in the West coined my experiences in collectivist families as adnormal—my current therapist had done extensive work among Indigenous communities and I found it so interesting how his interactions were fundamental in allowing him to help me even as an person of Chinese descent. While I am not versed in anything related to your discipline, I do wonder how our current colonial conceptions of what ‘identity’ is defined throught our respective fields and will differ from the definitions we may encounter in Peru, ajacent to the idea that Indigeneity itslef is but a colonial construct. And then finally I wonder how our own perceptions of what it means to experience trauma and struggle will change over the course.
Annie
After reading this I feel very close to you! I mean I am physically about two feet away from you at the moment, but I really appreciate the open narrative you were able to weave and your framing of this unique and exciting experience we are all about to depart on. Looking forward to reading more about your views as they progress with the trip 🙂