June 20, 2015. A day that I knew would change my perception of how I do and see things as a upcoming-true American citizen. As I boarded the airplane from New Orleans to Washington D.C,I knew that great and powerful knowledge would be bestowed upon me. I knew it would give me a huge edge and boost that almost anyone you ask would be able to testify and truthfully preach about as I or anyone of the past 5 groups can.
When I finally met the individuals that I would be spending 2 weeks with I immediately felt a little intimidated because I felt as if I wasn't in the right place. Everyone there seemed so much smarter and way above the standards that I've known to accept since I was old enough to understand what's going on. The opening dinner opened my eyes just a little, it made me realize that I was somewhat visible. I was chosen to give a special Normandy Institute blanket to one of the men being honored that night. It was the start of a great experience.
Up until the Normandy program I was in the type of person that stayed tucked in my shell. The staff and student environment will take you out of your comfort zone, so to speak. . The Monday to Monday schedules was the worst and best honestly speaking. It was way out of my league (I thought) but turns out I loved and enjoyed that the most. I learned so much and did so many things that I never would have seen myself experiencing. Given where I come from and my circumstances at the time, it was beyond what I expected. It was very emotional for me to get and give love for a group of individuals that are so distant from me. Even after staying up the entire day we were on our way to Paris, I was so enthusiastic that I was still going like I had a week of rest...for a little while haha.
Paris was so brand new to me. I felt just like an infant just entering life. Throughout the trip in between I often blocked the world out and reminisced on how proud my parents are of me, even to this day. It's all for them; until the day I become old and retire from all of my services, I will work and exercise the lessons, testimonies, and even hardships that the Normandy Institute taught me. Even with the success and respect that I've earned from everyone I will always honor and respect everyone that was involved with my experience.
When I finally met the individuals that I would be spending 2 weeks with I immediately felt a little intimidated because I felt as if I wasn't in the right place. Everyone there seemed so much smarter and way above the standards that I've known to accept since I was old enough to understand what's going on. The opening dinner opened my eyes just a little, it made me realize that I was somewhat visible. I was chosen to give a special Normandy Institute blanket to one of the men being honored that night. It was the start of a great experience.
Up until the Normandy program I was in the type of person that stayed tucked in my shell. The staff and student environment will take you out of your comfort zone, so to speak. . The Monday to Monday schedules was the worst and best honestly speaking. It was way out of my league (I thought) but turns out I loved and enjoyed that the most. I learned so much and did so many things that I never would have seen myself experiencing. Given where I come from and my circumstances at the time, it was beyond what I expected. It was very emotional for me to get and give love for a group of individuals that are so distant from me. Even after staying up the entire day we were on our way to Paris, I was so enthusiastic that I was still going like I had a week of rest...for a little while haha.
Paris was so brand new to me. I felt just like an infant just entering life. Throughout the trip in between I often blocked the world out and reminisced on how proud my parents are of me, even to this day. It's all for them; until the day I become old and retire from all of my services, I will work and exercise the lessons, testimonies, and even hardships that the Normandy Institute taught me. Even with the success and respect that I've earned from everyone I will always honor and respect everyone that was involved with my experience.