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"I have been
having an absolutely wonderful time in Australia. I arrived in January
and participated in the Criminal Justice and Public Policy program
in Sydney. In mid-February I began interning for credit at People
with Disabilities Inc of New South Wales, Australia (PWD). PWD is
a cross-disability advocacy organization. While at PWD I worked to
implement a youth leadership project for students with disabilities.
The most important
thing I have learned while studying abroad is independent travel
skills. Orientation and mobility are often incredibly difficult
for me. I often have difficulty finding my way around large cities,
university campuses, etc due to my visual impairment. While studying
abroad I have greatly increased my navigation skills and have learned
to effectively use the Sydney public transport system.
Studying abroad
has completely forced me out of my comfort zone. It has allowed
me to try new things such as snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef,
hiking in the Australian Alps, and rock climbing. While here I have
asserted my independence more than ever, gained a lot of confidence,
and grown as a person."
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