Respect Your Limits – A Message From Barbados

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Selah X. Casamalhuapa-Brownlee

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Selah X. Casamalhuapa-Brownlee

<i>Pronouns</i>: She/her <i>Home Institution</i>: University of California, Santa Barbara <i>Expected Graduation Year</i>: 2024 <i>Academic Major / Minor</i>: Sociology / Applied Psychology <i>Destination</i>: St. Michael, Barbados <i>"Hello" in your host country's language</i>: Hallo! <i>Program Provider</i>: UCEAP <i>Demographics</i>: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Multiracial, Community College Student, Transfer Student <i>Future Career Goals</i>: My future career goal is to become a clinical social worker with an emphasis on human health. I plan to pursue a PhD in Sociology and work to improve the health and well-being of marginalized communities. <i>Top Three Study Abroad Goals</i>: 1) Thoroughly document my life abroad through journalism, photography, and scrap-booking. 2) Learn about sustainable clothing options and thifting culture in Barbados 3) Network, connect, and learn from my host community!

The day before I flew out to Barbados to start my incredible journey abroad, my good friend sent me an endearing message. I have thought about his words every day, especially on the days when my body and mind are met with exhaustion. Don’t get me wrong, I have been on the most exhilarating excursions and adventures here that I will never take for granted. But at the same time, finding a balance between what I can and cannot do has been challenging and awakening. Being the social butterfly that I am, I have always struggled to recognize my limitations. Being in a new place where there is so much to do and see, it has been hard to set aside time for myself. But I quickly realized that I can’t do everything, especially with the allotted time I am given to be in a new country. Between going to each lecture, campus events, outside activities, and keeping up with loved ones back home, it does get tiring at times. I have had to take many mental health days to remind myself that my well-being comes first. One point of advice I have for any prospective student thinking about going abroad is please keep in mind your limitations. It’s okay to not go to every event or have days where you don’t feel as social as you’d like to be. It’s okay to voice that you need a break or a mental health day. Even if it’s not a full day and you need the morning, afternoon, or night to yourself, it is completely valid. Don’t forget to always update your professors about if you’re not feeling like your best self. In Barbados, prioritizing one’s mental health is a relatively new concept. In fact, I learned that it wasn’t until the COVID-19 disease outbreak that people started to pay attention to the importance of recognizing stress and burnout. I have had to put my anxiety aside and reach out to professors about feeling stuck in a place of exhaustion and fog. Thankfully, I have been met with empathy and understanding from my professors and friends abroad. Each day comes with its struggles, but I am more than ever teaching myself to enjoy the moments when I can take a break and relax. Rid your fears of FOMO, understand your limitations, and set aside time to yourself for yourself! It is perfectly normal and I am with you. To my dear friend, thank you for the message. “Enjoy the relaxing moments so your traveling doesn’t feel rushed. Being home is easy and comfortable, being out in the world traveling is hard. It’s a test that I know you can handle. You got this.”