TACOMA, Wash. - Pacific Lutheran University women's swimming student-athlete Rebecca Perkins closed out her fourth and final season as a Lute last month at the 2020 Northwest Conference Championships. Just a few weeks prior, Perkins was participating in PLU's J-Term study away program, traveling to Namibia in southern Africa. 
 
When Perkins decided she wanted to be a nurse, she dreamed of traveling abroad to volunteer or work. With the rigorous nursing program, student's only opportunity to study away is the J-term program in Namibia, so Perkins seized the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
 
After years of traveling as a student-athlete and living with four athletes in a room, Perkins was comfortable being abroad with her peers and remained open-minded and patient throughout the trip. Since the program schedule was packed, Perkins didn't find time to get to a pool, but the walking and daily excursions in Namibia kept her active.
 
In Namibia, Perkins learned how to care for patients with less resources and information than she is used to having at PLU, which is a great skill to have as she looks towards graduation. Her experience in Namibia opened her eyes to a new perspective of the healthcare system as it pertains to the world, a viewpoint she will carry with her into her future career as a nurse. 
 
"The nurses, doctors, and other medical staff came from different backgrounds and had different outlooks on life, which encouraged me to think in a way that I never have," Perkins said.
 
Perkins is incredibly grateful for the chance to study away and fulfill her goal of doing volunteer work abroad, and claims that month in Namibia as the best month of her life. On top of the life-changing experience working in different hospital cultures and environments, Perkins enjoyed many activities exploring Namibia. From climbing, "Big Daddy," the second highest climbable dune in the world, to kayaking with seals and eating interesting food, Perkins definitely made the most of her time away.
 
"Every day was a favorite memory," Perkins said.
 
Perkins' will continue to reflect on her time in Namibia and the lessons it taught her as she pursues her career as a nurse.