Reflection
When I was 24 years old, I was fortunate enough to quit my job and become a
backpacker. A backpacker, for those who aren’t familiar, is someone who
budget-travels, usually abroad, typically staying in hostels and living out of
a backpack for months at a time. After hearing about my friend's incredible
journey in India, I thought to myself, “I should be doing that.” A
little research led me to apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Australia, which
would allow me to travel for up to two years, with the option to work and earn
money during that time.
I quickly embraced the life of a wherever-the-wind-blows-me
backpacker I’d always dreamed of. The freedom to go wherever I wanted and be
whoever I wanted was exhilarating. Australia, being a popular destination for
young backpackers and gap-year students, provided the perfect setting to meet
and form relationships with people from all over the world. I made friends from
Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, China, Malta, Denmark, Italy, Germany, Ireland,
Thailand, Hungary, the Netherlands, England, Chile, Argentina, Estonia,
Switzerland, and more.
To set the scene: Imagine living in a campground for six
months with 120 other people—all from different cultures. We shared kitchens,
bathrooms, social spaces, and frequently gathered at the beach or park for
social events. It was a unique, immersive experience that I wouldn’t trade for
anything.
What stands out most from my time in Australia is a moment
of clarity. I became acutely aware of how much I could learn from each person I
encountered. It may seem simple, but it was profound to realize that you can
learn something valuable from everyone you meet. I carry this lesson with me
every day. My English friend taught me to take pride in where I’m from—even if
it’s just little old Iowa. The Israeli woman taught me to appreciate that I
wasn’t required to serve in the military. The Basque woman introduced me to
Basque culture and history. My Chinese friends showed me the communal joy of
hot-pot. The list goes on.
The diversity within this group was vast. What brought us
all together was travel—our shared desire to explore the unknown while learning
about the world and ourselves. As Sharpe, Mair, and Yuen (2016) discuss in
their work, community engagement through shared experiences can foster mutual
respect and understanding across cultures, highlighting the value of diversity
in promoting social cohesion and individual growth. This is something I could
never have experienced without stepping out of my comfort zone. The mix of
cultures allowed me to see firsthand the importance of diversity in society.
Action
I feel proud of myself for being open to the learning opportunities that came
my way. Without that openness and willingness to embrace diverse identities, I
wouldn’t have met so many amazing people or gained so much insight—even if it
was just a reminder to be grateful. This openness to diversity aligns with the
concept of cross-cultural sensitivity and reflexivity, as emphasized by Wasson
and Jackson (2002), who argue that such awareness can lead to more empathetic
and effective interactions.
I know that there are many others in the backpacking world
who share this mindset, especially the seasoned travelers. My natural curiosity
was nurtured in a community of like-minded, curious individuals. This
experience mirrored the actions of those around me, and it shows how openness
to learning from others can create an enriching and empathetic community.
If more people embraced the idea that you can learn
something from everyone, the world would undoubtedly be more compassionate and
understanding. As Sharpe, Mair, and Yuen (2016) suggest, fostering inclusive
and reflective practices can enhance our ability to connect and collaborate
across cultural divides, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
References
Sharpe, E., Mair, H., & Yuen, F. (2016). Community Development in
Leisure: Laying the Foundations (Chapters 3 & 12).
Wasson, D. H., & Jackson, M. H. (2002). Assessing Cross-Cultural
Sensitivity Awareness: A Basis for Curriculum Change. Journal of
Instructional Psychology, 29(4), 265.
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