“There and back again”

by Conlee Burnett (Canada)

A leap into the unknown Colombia

So the story begins with me, a young adventure seeking Canadian boy signing up for an internship. This internship would take place in Colombia where me and a group of chosen people would eat, live and breathe the Colombian lifestyle for five months. Originally, I had signed up for this opportunity with a strong level of skepticism and disbelief. Simply due to the fact that I did not know anyone who had done such a thing or even realized there was organizations out there that did international volunteer work. But, I went through the application process and hoped for the best. Moving forward to the day I received the email stating I was accepted into the program. It had been two months since I applied to the program and I was beginning to feel like it was all just a sham or that there was no way that me. A small town kid in northern Canada was gonna be chosen for such an adventure. It was 10am and I was sitting in my math class as a notification came through my phone. I was silent, it felt like the air in the room had left. It was the most exhilarating and terrifying feeling I’ve felt in a long time. You see, I was excited for the opportunity to see a new country as it was my first time travelling internationally, but also fearful as it would mean leaving all my comforts and even the english language behind in pursuit of the unknown. I was ready. At least that’s what I told myself in that very moment to ease my mind. I began prepping for the upcoming day where I would say goodbye to my family and friends. I will admit some of my closest loved ones were happy while others were afraid for me and the foreign land I would soon visit. I was determined to go through with it. Beginning to practise Spanish as part of my daily routine as well as learning about the culture of Colombia and political stances that exist within itself. Being an open member of the LGBTQA community i felt it was important to know what I was going into and the dangers I might face once arrived. Shocked! I read about varying levels of violence the media reported and realized the general image of Colombia being received by the media was somewhat negative. Even my own mother begged me not to go as did my older sister, but I couldn’t allow fear to control my life or my decisions. I wouldn’t.. I told them “you’re afraid because you don’t know what’s over there, but once I go and come back you will know” at the moment it just sounded like nonsense I uttered but I soon realized that that philosophy can be applied to anything in life. “Be afraid and then do it anyway” I began my journey from my hometown to Ottawa to meet a total group of strangers who I would call family for the next few months. We would complete group workshops and learn our selected placements while in Colombia. I was placed in a lovely little mountain community called Tíbasosa located between the city of duitamá and Sogamoso. Alongside me were my three new friends. Tobi, Jaylene and Kaitlynn. Tobi was from Nunavut while Jaylene was from Northwest territory. Kaitlynn and I were both from Manitoba so we immediately had things to talk about. We taught English to the community and also art classes with an organization that worked closely with people with special needs. My other favourite thing was going to a weekly event hosted in Duitama called colour talks. An international language group that had a weekly group meeting learning different cultures and languages to immerse ourselves in. Five months go by and we’re ready to go home and share our stories with our loved ones. We arrive back in Canada just in time for Christmas. The moment I arrive at the airport I’m greeted by my family with my nieces and nephews holding a welcome sign.. my heart melts and I realize I’m home. so this is my travel story. Thank you for your consideration. -Conlee