Editor’s note: Sophomore social work major Jessica Farnett conducted a summer Field Period in Tanzania last year. Here, the Marcellus native recounts her experience.

As I was headed to Tanzania—a country in East Africa—to take part in a seminar tour, I was not sure what to think. Little did I know I was about to embark on an experience of a lifetime. I went with a hospice group in Syracuse and, as our group formed, we received other hospice-oriented members from all across the United States. Our group not only consisted of hospice staff, but it also included medical students. Beginning the trip was a little nerve-wracking, not knowing anyone in the group, as well as being in a foreign country of which I had little knowledge. While I was in Tanzania, I was able to travel throughout various parts of the country and attend many different events that broadened my knowledge of Africa, Tanzania, and the United States.

As a social work student, I was concerned with the conditions in which many of the citizens of Tanzania were living. It seemed as if there was a lack of medical and living condition services. After meeting with many different families who were infected with HIV/AIDS, it's clear there was a sufficient lack of education. The battle that faces many in Tanzania is the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This horrible disease continues to spread throughout the country, and many parts of the African continent. After listening to many different seminars, it became evident to me how far behind this country was.

Here in the United States there are many programs for those with HIV/AIDS, and also there is plenty of information about the prevention of the HIV/AIDS virus. Tanzania needs to have programs that teach prevention, and to relate these approaches through their culture, practices, and faiths. The amount of faith that many Tanzanians carried was phenomenal. Although there was so much despair, their faith carried through and provided them with happiness. I was surprised to see how much hope these individuals had, despite how little they had.

Another part of my trip was dedicated to seeing different types of orphanages in Tanzania. My main focus was on the care of the children within these facilities, and to learn what types of funding they received and how they are run financially. I was surprised to was how little funding these orphanages received, and I was happy knowing that I had brought supplies to contribute to the children’s needs. I would encourage anyone to go to a foreign country and see how little many of them (children) have compared to those in the United States, and bring clothes for the children who truly need them. Although it’s just a few linens, it makes a difference, and small steps build up over time.

Since I have been home, there have been many times when I wished I could return. After meeting so many people with such incredible life stories my heart aches to go back. When first got  home, I had problems with people whining about getting the newest and latest merchandise,. All I could think about were those people in Tanzania, who had so little, but anything they had they were willing to share. Living in the United States has shown me how much I have to cherish. I want to return to some part of East Africa and help the people make small steps towards a brighter future. I am thankful that Keuka has given me the opportunity to take part in Field Periods. They gave me real-life experiences that broadened my knowledge better than any classroom could have done.

-- Jessica Farnett