FOR STUDENTS:
2009 TROIKA PHOTO CONTEST - and the winner is... Brad Brooks, Tulsa CC
My name is Brad Brooks, and I am currently studying nursing at Tulsa Community College in Tulsa, OK. This past May, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Ecuador with other students as part of a Transcultural Nursing class. This trip to Ecuador was an experience that I will never forget, and one that will surely help to shape who I am for the remainder of my life. I enjoyed meeting the Ecuadorian people; they are kind, generous, and overflowing with energy and life. I was struck by the diverse and breathtaking landscape of Ecuador as well, from the snow-capped mountains to the tropical rainforest. My eyes were opened to a world different from my own, one that few of my peers will ever be fortunate enough to enjoy. Since returning from Ecuador, I have found it difficult to summarize the experience when speaking with friends or family. I recently realized that this experience was not one that could be “summarized”. The “experience” was personal. It was a mix of emotions, sites, relationships, tastes, sounds, expectations, and dreams. It was my experience, and despite my best efforts, I doubt that I will ever truly be able to share it with anyone else.
Attempts to convey my experience are primarily made through sharing pictures. My favorite picture from the trip is one that I like to call “Bubble Joy”. This picture was taken in the rainforest of Ecuador on a day that I will always consider one of the best days of my life.
Bradford Brooks
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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FOR INTERESTED TROIKA COLLEGES and their FACULTY:
If your CCID member college is interested in having a study abroad program coordinated by the CCID office, please contact Andrea Siebenmann at asieben@kirkwood.edu or call 319.398.7183 for more information on how to participate in the Troika programs.
