I am getting down to my final days before I head to Afghanistan for the summer. I have never been to Afghanistan. I have never even been close. I am picturing myself withering under a burqa in heat I have never before experienced. Though in reality, I will not be wearing a burqa and I have been told that the heat is tolerable. It might not be your typical dream internship in Paris or Rome, but it is MY dream internship.

When I picture the people and the culture of Afghanistan, I have two views: romantic versus realistic. In my romantic views, it is a country of mystery. Beautiful women masked by burqas, a camel caravan across the desert, a strong devotion to a religion that is still a mystery to me. In my realistic views, it is a country of unbearable heat, sporadic electricity, and land mines. Hopefully, the reality will fall somewhere in between.

I am excited to be involved with the Afghan Women’s Network. They are doing very important work and I hope I will contribute to their mission while I am working with them. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “We must be the change we want to see in the world.” These are brilliant words of advice that it seems the Afghan Women’s Network has taken to heart.