Not many college students can say they’ve visited 15 countries. Even fewer spend their time traveling to volunteer. However, Erin Afshar is one of these few hidden gems. Read on to learn about her adventures around the world.
Name: Erin AfsharYear: 2015Major: Occupational TherapyMinor: Counseling and Human Services Hometown: Massapequa, NY
HC: What made you choose the University of Scranton?EA: I actually applied to 14 schools with several different majors and Scranton was at the bottom of my list! I came from a big high school, so I was looking for the small community that Scranton has. I’m so happy with my decision – I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else!
HC: Are you involved in any on-campus clubs or activities?EA: I’ve been on the crew team since freshmen year, I’m a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association and last semester I led a retreat. I’ve done some things through the Center of Service and Social Justice, Habitat for Humanity, the Mountain Sports Club and the Jane Kopas Women’s Center. I also work 2 jobs on campus…so I guess I’m pretty busy. :)
HC: Was there one moment that made you realize you wanted to be an occupational therapist?EA: I went into OT my freshman year not really knowing what I wanted to do besides helping people in the healthcare field. Throughout the years I really fell in love with the courses, the amazing faculty and our close-knit program.
HC: You’ve been on several service trips, what made you decide to participate in these?EA: My first trip was to New Orleans during spring break of my freshman year. I really enjoyed it because we were able to communicate with those we were building houses for, and saw how much we positively impacted them. This feeling motivated me to do six more service trips…and many more to come!
HC: Is there one service trip that stands out compared to the rest? Or one person who has stuck with you?EA: My first international service trip was through ISP in Guyana. We visited several places, but this one little girl in an orphanage really stuck out to me. She was eight years old, but spent her days lying flat in a crib in diapers, and barely given any love or medical attention. I was able to use what I learned in my OT classes with her, and that’s where I really felt like OT was for me…and sparked my desire to do more international service.
HC: You found out recently that you’ll be traveling to Kenya next December. Why did you decide to apply for this Special Needs Care program?EA: I worked on a special needs project in Guatemala with the same organization, IVHQ, last December. I absolutely loved the organization because I was able to go a bit more “off the grid” than trips sponsored by the school, and I was able to use the specific OT skills I’ve learned. A few of the other volunteers that I lived with (in Guatemala) told me that they previously did the Kenya program, and recommended it. So I applied…and was accepted!
HC: What are you most excited and nervous about for this upcoming trip?EA: I’m super excited about my project! I’ll be there for six weeks working in the largest urban slum of Africa. My project is based on working with children and adults with various special needs – so I don’t really know what to expect, which makes it so much more exciting!
This will be the first time that I will be traveling completely alone – so I’m a little nervous about that. Traveling to Kenya is not really recommended right now because of the presence of ISIS in the country. However, I really trust the organization that I will be working with in keeping me safe.
HC: You spend your summers at the Southampton Fresh Air Home. Can you tell us a little more about what you do there?EA: It was definitely the hardest job that I would ever love. SFAH is an overnight camp for children with physical disabilities (many whom are economically disadvantaged) in the Hamptons. It is quite possibly the happiest place I’ve ever witnessed. It is your basic camp counselor job, plus 24/7 work doing ‘care needs’ such as transferring, feeding, bathing, toileting and dressing. I worked with about 50 college students from the UK, who were some of the hardest workers I have ever met. They really motivated me to keep working while having a ton of fun! The kids don’t have all of the opportunities that we had growing up, so it was extra important to make sure that it was a safe environment for them to be just like able-bodied kids.
HC: How have your family and friends reacted to you traveling so much?EA: Although my parents oftentimes worry, they are very supportive of what I do. My friends are also really supportive – I’ve actually brought some along with me in my travels! They always joke around that some girls buy expensive bags…I just buy expensive plane tickets! :)
HC: What is your favorite country that you’ve traveled to? Why do you love that one the most?EA: That’s really hard to answer! I’ve been to 15…but I would probably have to say Australia! I spent a summer there and it was absolutely amazing. The people, the culture, and the natural beauty of the whole country just had me obsessed. I’m hoping on getting a one-year working visa there sometime. I like to take advantage of my young age and freedom to travel wherever I want before I have a career that ties me down :)