Lessons Learned:

1. The first lesson I learned was about acceptance and understanding. There were many times that I felt out of place while in Sierra Leone, however, I felt surprisingly welcomed by almost all of our respondents. It seemed like community members generally understood that we came to Salone with positive intentions and through our connection with World Hope, trusted our credibility. They always made an effort to pull up a chair for us during an interview or told us that they were thankful for our efforts. This made me want to approach all new situations and people with an open mind and a good attitude.
2.  I learned another important lesson about differences in lifestyle. I realized quickly during our trip that things work differently in Sierra Leone, and that their concept of time, work, family, and relaxation all differed greatly from mine. It was a little bit of a culture shock at first to experience so many new people with different boundaries that tested my comfort zone and adaptability in a unique setting.
3. The third most important lesson that I learned was that people really tend to get used to and accept their version of “normal”, whatever that may be. I realized that a lot of the material things I missed while in Sierra Leone and “couldn’t really imagine living without”, most people there had never experienced. It made me realize that we really are products of our environment and can learn to adapt and live contently for the most part wherever we are placed.

Professional Development

1. On the ground, I really learned how to step up and be vocal in my group in a new setting. I got more comfortable with my teammates on the trip which I think helped me do this, but also I think will help me to take a stronger leadership role in new groups in future endeavors as well.
2. Working in a smaller team with only three group members, I really learned how to better understand my teammates’ strengths and weaknesses. This helped to assign tasks and get work done most efficiently with our limited resources. It also helped to understand the different personalities and roles within the group in order to better manage and use them.
3. Finally, professionally I gained a better of understanding of how to participate in a professional meeting to form potential partnerships. We met with Statistics Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Health and our professors gave our project “pitch”. It was great to gain firsthand experience that I can use later in my professional career.

Personal Growth

1. On a personal level, I learned a lot about myself on this trip as well as well as about my project. I discovered that sometimes it can be hard for me to accept change but I really like routine and can fall into “homeostasis” wherever I am. At first, I was really overwhelmed and homesick in Sierra Leone, however after one of our first days surveying where we got used to the timing and went really fast, I realized I liked the work we were doing and started getting used to the new environment.
2. I learned to be a lot more independent this summer as well. We got some freedom in SL and there were times I really missed my family and friends, but I got used to a routine on the ground and was accustomed to it by the end. I think it was a good life experience to be able to survive on my own and take care of myself to some extent.
3. I also learned a lot about gratitude and appreciation. I realized that it’s really the people in life that make it worth living. I saw so many moments of genuine and strong happiness experienced by people who, by the standards of the developed world, have practically nothing. It really emphasized for me what I really find of value in my life.