Student Spotlight - Sarah Mathew, Memories in Morocco

Throughout these past 3 weeks, I have immersed myself in the rich culture and diversity of Morocco. This program has given me a sense of community and has helped me create tight bonds. From Rabat to Casablanca to (my personal favorite) Mohammedia, I have made such wonderful experiences with people that I now consider family.

One of my favorite moments was when we went to the Agafay Desert near Marrakesh, and we were able to reflect upon our trip. Kat shared her thoughts and talked about how she was grateful for everything and everyone who helped her through the entirety of her journey. At that moment, I truly understood gratitude.

Gratitude, as written in the dictionary, is defined as “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” But if you were to ask me, gratitude is the ability to give back the strong love you hold for others. This entire trip has given me a whole new insight into privilege and the gratitude I hold towards every single person I've met during this trip.

I am so endlessly grateful that I was able to form a strong bond with this amazing group of future leaders. Our connection has taught me so much about what true friendship is and what a real community looks like. We were able to learn and grow from our experiences as a group and as individuals. I will forever cherish the memories we have made together, even through all the ups and downs.

To our program leaders, I am so incredibly grateful to them for dealing with our crazy group. Rather than teachers, they were our mentors, helping us with our troubles and taking care of us, but also spending quality time with us that will always be remembered.

Additionally, I am very grateful toward the organizations that we have worked with. The kids that I interacted with were such brilliant, kind children who helped us learn the customs, language, and the overall culture. I’m so glad I was easily able to connect and form a relationship with them through sports, arts and crafts, and even just talking.

Finally, I would like to share my gratitude toward both families that made this happen; in the US and in Morocco. From the start, my parents have been so supportive of me and have helped me through everything, going so far as to book a flight with me to New York to help me navigate the airport. As soon as I met my homestay family, they welcomed both me and my roomie, Amelia, with open arms. I thank them every day for letting me experience a true Moroccan lifestyle and for the connection I formed with them that will always remain the same.

This study abroad opportunity has changed so many things, including my morals, opinions, and my judgment. Overall, I am extremely grateful to call Morocco my second home.

Written by Sarah Mathew