Africa might not be some people’s first pick for adventure, let alone a study abroad program, but that’s what Barrington-born and bred college student Sarah Clifford, daughter of Brian and Carolyn, selected.
Sarah, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, recently left for Ethiopia as part of the requirements for her minor in global health studies. She is currently double majoring in biology and life science communications, and her journey is part of a field course in biodiversity, food systems and health.
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“She wanted to travel to a country that was completely unlike home, and where she could make an impact, so the opportunity to go to Ethiopia seemed like the perfect experience,” said her mother, Carolyn.
From a parental perspective, such an undertaking can sometimes be nerve-wracking.
“When she first applied for this opportunity, it was just as the Ebola outbreak had occurred, so at first, both my husband and I thought it seemed risky,” said Carolyn. “But we applauded her for wanting to have a meaningful experience and completely supported her decision. Anthony Bourdain had recently filmed an episode of his show, ‘Parts Unknown’ in Ethiopia, which we had a chance to watch with Sarah before she left. I think it gave us all more peace of mind, having now learned more about the country, its culture and its food. There is a lot of hope and opportunity in Ethiopia despite the challenges the country has historically faced, and I believe Sarah will come back with a new appreciation for the challenges some of the world faces with feeding its citizens.”
The trip will include visits to and stays in several cities in Africa.
One of the projects that Sarah will be tackling is measuring children’s feet for shoes provided for impoverished children. According to their website, TOMS Shoes helps provide “shoes, sight, water, safe birth and bullying prevention services to people in need.”
She also will study maternal and child nutrition, community and agricultural development, food safety and sanitation, and various environmental and economic concerns, as related to Ethiopia.
Despite the inherent risks involved with this stimulating learning experience, Carolyn is excited about her daughter’s experience: “It should be a trip of a lifetime for her.”
Godspeed to Sarah throughout her incredible adventures in Africa!
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Kimberly Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press