As I sit back to reflect on the last few weeks of my journey across Australia, Cairns, and Singapore, my heart is full — not just with memories, but with deep gratitude and also unsettled feelings. I am, if not the only student that really had a roller coaster on this study abroad and I would not say that it did not bother me at all, it did. There were times I felt left out not because my school excluded me, or the students around me, I did feel that way because I had limited options based on my passport and to add to that, the unofficial visa restriction for Liberians by the current region which contributed a whole lot to what happens next on my study abroad. However, throughout these personal hard times for me, I learned not to compare, and I never felt bad of being a Liberian and an African. This is the very thing that kept ringing in my ear, even if your visa is revoked or declined, you have a home, a place where your heart is. So, I will say in the midst of the chaos, this experience has been nothing short of life-changing.
From the vibrant streets of Sydney to the quiet underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, and the buzzing, shopping energy of Singapore, I have been reminded over and over again of how big and beautiful the world truly is — and how important it is for young women like me to take up space in it. Not just standing on what I know, but using what I know to learn more from others and what I see. In Australia, I found this warm comfort and welcome not just in the weather, but in the people. Every conversation, every shared laugh, every cultural exchange reminded me that there’s a place for everyone in this global community.
Cairns gave me a different kind of magic. It was here, surrounded by coral reefs and breathtaking natural beauty, that I remembered how small we all are in the grand scheme of things — and yet, how powerful we can be when we choose to care. Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef should have been a wish came through but I did not really enjoy it because I did not see much. The glass boat tour at Fitzroy Island and street market shopping were my favorite activities in Cairns. Even though I never wanted to do most of the events because of how worked out I was from my organization work and late nights meetings due to the time difference, I did enjoy them still. This part of the trip taught me stillness, taught me how to breathe more deeply, and reminded me that nature can be both fierce and gentle, just like women.
Singapore was like stepping into the future. From the glowing supertrees to the fascinating food markets, it was a place where innovation met culture. I was particularly moved by the multicultural fabric of the city — seeing people of different backgrounds, languages, and beliefs coexisting peacefully was powerful. It made me more hopeful for Liberia’s future — a future where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated. I also saw how structure, discipline, and vision can transform a small island into a global powerhouse. As a young leader, I took notes.
What ties all these places together in my heart is the way they each gave me something new to carry home — a lesson, a feeling, a vision. I have grown more confident and secure in my purpose, and more committed to building something lasting through my work with WeCanLiberia, my nonprofit that is inspiring the Liberian dreams of sustainable development and DEBRASCA, my newly established business that is involved in importation of wholesale consumable goods. I want to lead with grace and global understanding.
This journey has stretched me, humbled me, and filled me. I return early, but not just with souvenirs but with soul-venirs, laugh out loud — things that will stay with me even after Management in the Asia Pacific Program.
Here’s to global dreams and grounded roots.