Alumni Spotlight: Michelle Florin

Michelle Florin traveled to Tanzania with Rustic Pathways in the summer of 2011. She is a sophomore at Emory University double majoring in Business and Psychology. Michelle is hoping to work for a nonprofit organization in the future and plans to continue to travel and give back to the community. She enjoys running, taking photographs, and hanging out with friends.

Why did you decide to volunteer with Rustic Pathways in Tanzania?

Giraffes in Tanzania

Michelle: I traveled abroad with Rustic Pathways the past summer (to Costa Rica and parts of South East Asia), and I wanted to continue to traveling with the company. My friend and I decided we wanted to spend four weeks in one country volunteering and participating in adventurous activities. After looking at all of the options Rustic Pathways offers we decided that Tanzania was the perfect fit. The trips offered the perfect balance of community service and exploration.

Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.

Michelle: Each trip was different. However, the service trips followed a similar routine. The group woke up and ate breakfast together. Then we traveled to the school by bus and spent the day plastering and painting the walls of a new classroom or teaching students English. Our trip leaders planned engaging activities so we could have the most memorable experience possible. I remember buying souvenirs in markets, going on runs through villages, and bonding with other students on the trip around a campfire.

What made this experience unique and special?

Mount Kilimanjaro

Michelle: The staff members on all of my trips in Tanzania made an impact on my life. They were committed to making the experience meaningful and fun. Although there was an itinerary, the group leaders were open to suggestions. On one of my trips I had an amazing opportunity to meet Jane Goodall because my trip leader found out that she was presenting at a hotel nearby. That was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had.

How has this experience impacted your future?

Michelle: I have always had a passion for traveling and helping others and my experience in Tanzania confirmed my desire to give back and explore the world. The trips in Tanzania opened my eyes to parts of the world that I am grateful to have seen. Each trip in Tanzania impacted me differently. Climbing Kili was an incredible experience that gave me confidence. The community service trips made me realize how important it is to help others. I learned that working with a team, sharing a common goal, and achieving that goal is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have.