Youth Perspective: Make a plan!

Joshua Dawidowicz shares his thoughts on the importance of making plans, and his own experience of planning his first-ever trip outside the United States, in this February “Youth Perspective” article.

16 February 2022 | Youth Advisory Committee

Make a plan!

Throughout my college education as a Financial Economics major, I have always taken classes or worked during my Summer and Winter Breaks. For this past Winter, however, I took a trip to Italy.

This was my first experience with life outside the United States and with it came lots of learning. Prior to landing in Napoli, or Naples, I had never spoke a word in Italian. Additionally, as this trip took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was tasked with taking precautionary measures such as complying with COVID-19 testing, wearing masks (or mascherinas), and filling out locator forms that would ensure my safety for the duration of the trip.

I met some amazing people and saw breathtaking architecture and museums throughout Naples, Pompeii, Venice, Florence, and Rome. My personal favorites were the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di  Napoli (Naples National Archeological Museum) and of course, the Colosseum, (or Colosseo) in Rome.

I feel that a good habit to make is to plan what you want to accomplish. With those plans, you’ll find it necessary to acquire everything associated with accomplishing and once accomplished, you’ll gain the experience associated with them.

Joshua Dawidowicz

I can recall during Mentor Foundation USA’s 25th Anniversary back in 2019, Now-President & CEO Gudrun Giddings had told my twin brother and I to “travel” when we asked her what would impact our lives the most. Having now travelled, I feel that her response could not have been better.

That’s because travelling requires a plan, and a successful plan requires knowledge and resources. In my case, I had to ensure I had all documentation and financial resources available to travel. Travelling also results in experiences which lead to increases in knowledge, resources, and awareness. I now know some Italian culture and language because of my trip.

Although everyone may not have the privilege of travelling, the concepts applied are universal. I feel that a good habit to make is to plan what you want to accomplish. With those plans, you’ll find it necessary to acquire everything associated with accomplishing and once accomplished, you’ll gain the experience associated with them. This can be anything from challenging yourself to read an entire book or to learn a new skill or hobby such as drawing.

Make a plan!