I choose this program to start over. I started over because last year at college was not great and I needed something different. This program allowed me to view things from a different angle. Not only did I meet the greatest people, but I got to spend the best 3 months with people I can call my family.
Alumni Spotlight: Alexandra Manning
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I am alex manning from rye New York and I am currently going to Fairfield university! I love interacting with new people and love spreading joy and love :)
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
My provider helped me with setting up an interview with the people around Carpe Diem. They helped me get the classes I needed to take so that, while on program, I could get all the credits I needed for school when I started in the spring. They were nothing but helpful during the process. I am forever grateful.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
If you decide to go on this trip, and I hope you do, you will find the most amazing people in the world. They will always bring you up and fill you with hope. This program taught me how to be vulnerable, especially in moments with people who you don’t entirely know at first and then one day you become like the best of friends.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
An average day looks like a wake up call at around 7 am. And then we would all come down and get breakfast, but our days really depended on where we were. For example: the outback was one of the greatest moments ever. We woke up at like 5 one morning and went for a hike and then came back and drove 3 hours to our next destination. It was absolutely incredible.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was not being accepted. As a young girl, I was never popular and I was never accepted into the cool groups. I always wanted to be considered one of them. I didn't want my group to think I was weird so I didn’t really talk at first. I was just suspicious of the fact that I was going into this with not knowing anyone.
Can you share a story from the trip?
I think my favorite story of this whole trip would just be the trip in and of itself. The trip was a story. It was a story of life long endeavors. It was a chance to start over and create new stories. I created memories and moments that I will cherish for a lifetime. I can’t imagine meeting any other group of people. They were all I needed and they gave me life and happiness.