Acknowledging Privilege and Navigating Politics while Abroad

Anyone who travels has privilege, whether it’s financial, social, or simply the ability to move freely across borders without fear of political or economic persecution. Period. I am aware, grateful, and sometimes guilty of what is within my means. While I travel it’s something I am mindful of, especially in light of the recent political devastation the US did and will continue to experience. I am embarrassingly past-due to put my journal meanderings together into a post here.   

Acknowledging Privilege

First I want to say that as a white woman, I did not have the same challenges growing up as those colored around me. I was also fortunate to find an international school for my middle school years that surrounded me with a diverse student population and immersed me in an environment of inclusion, integrity, and respect; and fortunate that my parents could take me to school every day. All things considered, my family supported nearly all my endeavors (excluding instances such as when I wanted to learn bagpipes). We also were fortunate to visit my family in France as I grew up, introducing me to international travel at a young age.

Then when I attended university, I had the resources and support to go. I do not discredit my work ethic in this—I worked really effin’ hard for the classes, extracurriculars, career-prep opportunities, and scholarships I committed myself to—but I fully recognize that others do not have the means or support to put their efforts exclusively toward school. And sometimes even if they do, racial, financial, and gender-based discrimination, amongst others, can prevent people from getting where they want. I am also so lucky that my mother works for a study-abroad agency, giving me access to educational opportunities abroad that I know many cannot afford.

So: I am aware and incredibly grateful for everything that came together for me to get to where I am now.

I am simultaneously painfully aware of how hard people work around the world and that their lives do not permit them to take a break or travel for themselves. If you are a farmer, you cannot abandon your cows, crops, or land because you want to take time off or go on vacation, that’s just not possible. With many other professions as well. And when that’s not the issue, financial barriers make it impossible. Especially with exchange rates—with the US dollar being so strong, it’s sometimes cheaper to go travel in certain parts of the world than it is to live at home. But in other countries, weak currency is debilitating to those that dream to do the same!

Travel and Guilt

I often feel a mix of guilt and gratitude as I travel to places where locals, many of whom work tirelessly just to survive, may never have the opportunity to leave even their own town. I’m not quite sure how to overcome this sentiment, but I do my best to support the communities I visit through gifts, meaningful exchanges, and lasting connections; I know that I can replace what I have. A jungle guide needs a pocketknife more than I do. The guy who picked me up as a hitchhiker in an ancient crank-start gas-guzzler needs $30 more than I do. My sister and I can buy students a years’ worth of books and pens at the expense of a few drinks in a bar back home. Learning even a few words of the local language and greeting people with respect can bring smiles, and sharing stories can inspire everyone involved. Most of all I hope to always create memories worth looking back on.

As for the people in my community at home who extend negative energy, judgement, and envy: I know my circumstances allow me opportunities that others might not have, and while I try to share the resources and knowledge I’ve gained, I also understand that not everyone has the same means or access to these experiences.

I don’t pretend to have made it here comfortably. I worked hard throughout college to save up money and applied for scholarships, and while I travel I embrace the opportunity to learn new skills and perspectives—whether through Workaway (a program where you can work globally in exchange for housing/food), my remote work, or seeking freelance opportunities—building both my professional life and my global outlook. Regardless of where you are or what your goals are, I believe if you have a positive disposition and strong work ethic, you build supportive and helpful connections that can sometimes take you far.

Many have told me that by traveling indefinitely post-graduation I am throwing away my degree and quelching possibilities for an engineering career in the future. The world would have you believe that success, especially post-graduation, only looks like full-time, office-based career development. Obviously that’s one way, and it works for many. But I think what I’m doing will expand my world view while simultaneously building on the skills I would like to apply to a career when I am ready (even within engineering!!).

Navigating Politics Abroad

Traveling long-term is absolutely NOT an excuse to check out from reality. I am fully engaged in political conversations and staying educated, which I believe is the minimum. I work to create a safe space where, even from abroad, people in the US that I hardly know will contact me and ask me for help with voting, or my friends and I can engage in educational conversations, or I can support those close to me especially after the recent election. Not being in the US does NOT mean I don’t pay attention, or sign petitions, or email my government officials back home. But it does feel weird not to be there in-person to hug those I love and remind them that everything will be ok.

If anything, I am learning more about how the world engages in politics. When in a hostel in Phnom Penh, I was watching live updates on the election and had deeply unsettling arguments with men from far corners of the world about their admiration for Trump. The way his rhetoric and influence have reached so far is baffling. Confronting it head-on was frustrating, but touched on important discussions about media influence and propaganda, nationalism, and political polarization on a global scale. And anyway; difficult conversation is how you spark curiosity and uncertainty in the minds of those with extremist views, and I can certainly do at least that. I learn a great deal along the way too. Of course, not everyone loves fascists, and I have also had conversations that restore my faith in humanity and expand my mind for the better. It’s back and forth.

My point is:

Acknowledging privilege is not about feeling guilty, and it is only the first step. The real work is using it responsibly; standing up for those who are marginalized and striving to create a more equitable world—both at home and abroad.

I’m sending lots of strength and love to my friends at home; I know this time is hard and I so so so wish I could be there to mourn, rally, and protest physically with you all.

Love,

Stella