When I applied to the Child and Youth Work program I never dreamed it would lead to heading to Tanzania for a 3 week learning opportunity. As a member of the Helping Children Thrive group on the Breath of Life team I have the opportunity to bring a child and youth work perspective to an inter-professional team.


We are less than a week away from boarding the airplane. Surreal is the only word I can think of to describe my thoughts at this moment. For the last 6 months I have been fundraising, planning and preparing for this trip but up until now it seemed more like a school project where we imagine and plan a program than an actual project. My excitement and anxiety are all bundled into one new emotion. I am leaving behind three children and a very supportive partner. The journey that I am about to embrace is beyond my imagination. I know that my preparation will have been inadequate and that I will just have to jump into the unknown and be as flexible as water.  The entire faculty involved has been so supportive and encouraging which has definitely helped to calm my nerves. The Child and Youth Work program encourages us to step outside our comfort zone. At this point I can no longer even see my comfort zone.

Sarah