When Danielle Forte, a senior at Saint Anselm College, explains why she has decided to spend a month in volunteering Thailand, the first words out of her mouth are, “I have a passion for elephants.”
In her last semester of college, Forte has been feeling the mixture of excitement and anxiety that characterizes the looming uncertainty of what happens after graduation. Some students actively intern and apply, some remain in willful denial, and yet others see a new door opening as another closes. Without the burdens of a home or family, major expenses or pressing commitments, Forte says she is traveling to Thailand because she wants to try something new, different, and unfamiliar.
But elephants are not Thailand’s only draw for Forte; she also has a passion for helping others, and plans on becoming a social worker. While in college, she volunteered for two years with the YWCA’s domestic violence hotline. In addition, she organized events to raise awareness about domestic violence, including the Clothespin Project.
However, despite in and out of class work, Forte feels that she needs diverse experience in which to ground her knowledge and continuing work in social welfare. Specifically by developing cultural sensitively, her trip to Thailand can foster important and practical skills in future social work.
“I wanted to try something completely new and prepare myself for working with different populations,” Forte said.
While in Thailand, Forte will spend her weeks volunteering in villages outside of Bangkok, working with vulnerable groups, young children or elderly people.
“I really hope to work with the elderly,” she said. “Many have been abandoned by their families or have emotional disorders. It is a population I haven’t worked with before.”
On weekends, Forte will have the opportunity for excursions into Thai culture, customs, and lifestyle with short trips, language classes, and cooking classes. She is eager to get out of the city and immerse herself in the land, people, and rural culture of Thailand.
Although Forte’s trip is focused on volunteer work, she also made the decision for her own personal growth. For Forte, who grew up in the quiet town of Mansfield, Massachusetts, this will be the first time she has ever travelled alone.
“I am going for an Eat Pray Love experience,” she said, adding with a laugh, “But I think this is mostly the Pray part, because Thai food is spicy.”
Forte hopes that the rural landscape of Thailand, unencumbered by modern technology and filled with unfamiliar challenges, will be the ideal environment for personal discovery.
“I want a spiritual experience, to connect to roots of nature, people, and myself.”
Like many recent graduates seeking to orient themselves in the world and find direction for their lives, Forte is searching for personal insight and practical skills for her future. She hopes her trip to Thailand, however, will be also fulfill another goal, to meet elephants to sandy tropical beaches.