So you’ve just booked the trip. You’ve contemplated taking the trip due to the pandemic, and now it’s finally booked. A sense of relief and excitement comes over you as you dream about your destination. Dreaming about what places you’ll visit while there, how many excursions you’ll take, and what the amount of delicious cuisine and drinks you’ll try.  This is your trip of a lifetime. A place where you will make some unforgettable memories! And, let’s not forget the number of photos and videos you plan to take! After thinking about all of that, the dread sets in and takes a little bit of your excitement away. 

My name is Donovan Handy and I am a twenty-one year old university student. I have been in school since I was, what, seven years old? For most of my life, my primary identity has been that of a student. And, frankly, I have done exceptionally well as one. In 2019, I graduated high school as valedictorian. The year following, I got into the University of Texas at Austin. This year I will graduate in the top 4% of my class. As you can see, school has been good to me, and I, relatively good to school. The role of the student has fit me. In some ways, a bit too well.

Have you ever met a genuine stranger while abroad, and suddenly the timing of your life made sense? Luckily for me, many of the greatest souls I have been blessed to call friends were met outside of my hometown, somewhere unfamiliar to me.

Having the ability to find unique ways to keep in touch and being intentional in strengthening our bond, has turned us from strangers to genuine friends. Some friendships formed abroad do not go beyond the initial first few days, some even ask for your social media account with the intent to simply grow their following. However article, this is a culmination of a global tribe of women who came into my life to aid in my growth journey and remind me of the power of trusting yourself.