written by Emma Wright, first year PR student
We recently caught up with Connie Brodribb, one of our 2013 graduates, to hear about her recent work experience in Uganda.
Connie was based in South-Western rural Uganda, near a small town called Kanungu. In total she was out there for three months, which suited her well as she did not want to take 6-12 months out away from employment (or job hunting!). She volunteered with a company called Volunteer Uganda Ltd, an organisation recommended to her by a friend; she wanted to do something completely out of her comfort zone and Volunteer Uganda offered a great package!
Whilst in Uganda, Connie was assigned to a class in a local school called Standard Academy and was their teacher for 10 weeks. Three times a day, Monday- Friday, she taught them Maths, English and Science. Every evening she would plan the lessons for the following day which she found, understandably, tiring but incredibly rewarding. On top of her teaching, she took part in two HIV Awareness Community Days, went on a three-day safari, spent two weekends at Lake Bunyonyi, completed a 10k charity run and much more.
For Connie, the whole trip was a memorable experience. From the people, to the place, to the animals! One of her favourite memories was her first sunrise game drive on safari which she found ‘breathtakingly beautiful’.
She did however find the teaching the most rewarding and most memorable part of the trip. Whenever she would be feeling under the weather or missing home by the end of the day after teaching, she would return back to the lodge with the biggest grin on her face.
When reflecting on the experience, Connie said:
‘One thing that travelling does, is it truly broadens your horizons. I feel like I have gained a huge amount of perspective and value for the simple things in life. There is no education like it, and I would encourage all people to go travelling if they can. In addition to this, I have gained some great friends and memories. It has also made me thirsty – thirsty to see more and do more!’
Her Uganda experience sounds like it truly was an amazing experience for Connie and is certainly something she would recommend to anyone!
Since returning from Uganda, Connie has secured a graduate job at Marks and Spencer and we hope to report on how Connie’s job is going in the very near future.
I wish it would be possible for the whole world to have an experience like Connie’s. When you see people like them, know about the way and the conditions they are living under,the efforts and chances kids have for their future, but most of all their hearts and feelings and their courage to keep trying for a survival, despite the misery they are getting through, you receive the following message:
“We must be grateful for what we have and appreciate every moment in our life. We should wake up every morning and say ‘thank you’. We should stop saying ‘i’m tired of my life, i have many problems, i can’t go on.’
The only way to understand that you are happy is to see the worst,the real pain!
If all people had that chance, we would have a better world with no crimes, no suicides, and no depression!