Shift Your Perspective

My very first day of 4^th year nursing, the instructors initiated a very thought-provoking discussion on “perspective”.  We were assigned the task of taking a creative photograph on the campus premises and reflecting on how this image may be perceived by others.  It is needless to say that in a classroom with so many unique individuals, discussion was plenty.  The value of looking at a situation from another person’s point of view is that it enables us to gain a better understanding of the other’s perspective and we can therefore “see the bigger picture” so to speak.  Shifting your perspective also helps us to recognize and compensate for our own biases.  It is a reminder to be cautious when imagining the viewpoint(s) of someone we cannot reconcile our own values with for we may be tempted to make assumptions that are unlikely to be an accurate reflection of that individual. 

This theme will undoubtedly emerge in my travels to Ghana.  How might my perspective(s) change or possibly even clash in a cultural landscape that differs from my own?  What biases may emerge?  The experience of viewing life from a different lens is significant; trying on that lens in a foreign place, far from home I expect will be quite a revelation to myself.  I invite anybody who reads this to share their thoughts and experiences relative to “perspective” and how you handled your own feelings/reactions.     

The Beginning...

The purpose of this blog is to document my journey to Ghana, West Africa, as an international nursing student (yes, nurses love to document!).  I welcome family, friends, peers, instructors, and complete strangers to share my experience(s) and hopefully gain some insight into the broader world of nursing, health care, and the international.  First and foremost, I would like to congratulate my peers for making it this far!  The road to becoming a registered nurse is full of twists, and turns, and forks (yes, forks!).  The idea of commencing my 4th year is surreal; the prospect of completing it in Ghana is mind blowing.  Thank you to all those persons who have supported my goals and dreams along the way.  I am truly blessed to have such amazing individuals in my life!    

For all the nursing students out there! No matter your year of study it is vital to reflect, rant, and find the humor in every day experiences! Feel free to share your own experiences on this blog or suggest interesting links discovered.  I invite ANY reader to share/comment with respect and confidentiality in mind.

And so my journey begins...