<p>I need tons of help deciding what to do this summer. </p>
<p>This summer, I got an internship that pays over $1700 at a University. The internship is for 7 weeks, and the University pays for room, board, and occasional field trips. The University also pays for certain recreational activities. But there is one problem--the internship is out in WYOMING. Even though I like being adventurous, I don't know if I'm adventourous enough for Wyoming. My mom doesn't want me to go, and everyone else in my family stands behind her. My mom thinks that there are a lot of rednecks and hicks out there in rural predominately white areas, and she doesn't feel that it's safe for me, an urbanized Black person, to go. (I tend to disagree with her)</p>
<p>However, this is what makes the matter so bad and difficult---if I don't go to this internship, then I will have nothing else to do for this summer. If I don't go, then the only thing that I will do for the summer is to stay at home. I hate staying at home and doing nothing--I feel like my brain is wasting away when I do idly stay at home. I've tried looking for summer jobs, but all the good jobs have been taken by now. (The only jobs left are the ones with weird hours and scanty pay). I've tried calling local universities, such as Washington University, and asking to assist in a lab. However, these lab opportunities are scarce, and practically none are still left by now.</p>
<p>I really would love to go to this internship, but I don't know if I'm ready for Wyoming. I'm a little scared of what lies out there in the country. (I've lived in big cities pretty much all my life.)</p>
<p>ALL COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.</p>
<p>(If you live in Wyoming, no offense)</p>
<p>One more thing--I have less than 24 hours to make this decision.</p>
<p>It sounds like an amazing opportunity and you should take it! You will be in a university setting with plenty of accepting, educated people. Wyoming is a beautiful state and many very famous people have homes there. I bet you will enjoy the opportunity to experience a totally different part of the country. Get out of your comfort zone, buy some cowboy boots and GO FOR IT!</p>
<p>I second MofWC. Sounds like a great opportunity and a chance to spread your wings a bit. University communities are usually pretty accepting and I think you won't find it that difficult to be a minority there. You will be a small city, but it won't be like living on a ranch or anything. Besides, this is not a long term committment. We are talking less than 2 months. I, too, think you should go for it.</p>
<p>I know some people from that area, and they are neither rednecks nor hicks; in fact, they are very educated and intelligent people. I don't think you should let that concern deter you. It sounds like your mom is thinking of some stereotypical small town, which probably won't be the experience you have at all. Could you search the internet for the local chamber of commerce, or check the university web site for the ever present "town" link, or even call to discuss your mother's concerns with your internship sponsor? Good luck!</p>
<p>I visited Wyoming for the first and so far only time in 1976, while riding my bicycle across the country. I was astounded by the scenery: it was like something I imagined from Mars, and it was an amazing eye-opener. The people there were very open and laid-back, and the air was clear and crisp. </p>
<p>They would not have offered you this internship if they did not think it would be good for you, and good for them to have you working with them. Stretch yourself and experience a new and dramatically different part of the country, get some internship experience, earn money, and act as a representative of your home area if there are people who are not familiar with it. </p>
<p>Just before my bike trip, I thought about backing out, worried it would be too much out of my comfort zone. Then I read a quote about the trip from someone who'd just completed it, saying, "We often most regret the things in life that we did not choose to do." So I went, and it changed my life for the better. This is likely to be an experience you will never regret. Have a great time!</p>
<p>As a graduate of the University of WYoming who has many realtives still in the state (my youngest sister works at the university) I say go for it! It's a wonderful opportunity. It will probably be a culture shock (as it was for me to move to NJ after living in WYO all my life). But the people there are very nice, they are not the redneck stereotypes they are made out to be. Even back in the mid 70's when I was there it was a very multicultural campus. Laramie is a great little town, very laid back . Take in Cheyenne Frontier Days ( I think it's in August) and the beautiful scenery. You'll be close to Fort Collins and not that far from Denver. An internship is always a plus on your resume! Good luck.</p>
<p>Wyoming has a very high tourist rate. They entertain people from all over the world and it's one of their biggest industries. I don't think you'll have any problems. Do be aware that Laramie, while a large city by Wyoming standards, is quite small by east coast standards. There are only 400,000 people in the state.</p>
<p>I'd say your mom shouldn't worry too much about safety. The crime rate is very low in areas like that. </p>
<p>Has she seen/read the play "The Laramie Project"? If so, that could be fueling her fear, as it is about a homosexual student who was beaten and left for dead. This incident really did occur in Laramie in the late 90s. </p>
<p>However, it was an isolated incident, I think, and the university students were really outraged about it.</p>
<p>People often say that students from rural areas can broaden their horizons by spending time in a city. I think the opposite works too!</p>
<p>Some of the best experiences in life are when you take "risks" and go for something brand new that is very different than you have experienced before. I have a feeling this will be such a great opportunity and one that you won't forget and it might even change you and affect you in very positive ways. And on top of it, it is an internship (great) and money (great). While it is good to listen to parents' advice and respect your mom, you are now an adult and I think you need to own this decision as it is your life. You also will be on a college campus which is not the same as being plopped down in rural town where everyone is from that area and has been their whole life. There will be a mix of people, many tolerant, in such an environment. As someone who lives in a rural area, albeit a resort area, not everyone are "hicks". And even knowing the "hicks" is a broadening experience. </p>
<p>My daughter is likely around your age...she's 18 1/2, just finished her first year of college. She is in the middle of a 4500 mile drive to Alaska. She was just in beautiful Wyoming a few days ago. She is going to so many places very different than where she grew up. It is part of what is so enlightening. And the adventure of doing something like this on her own is a bit of a "risk" or "step" and one that could give her a sense of "I can do anything on my own now". She is enroute to British Columbia right now and will be driving the AlCan Highway which is like No Man's land.....where I'm sure it is not even like our rural slice of life here in VT. I have another daughter who also grew up in our tiny town (on a dirt road, no traffic lights in town, around 1700 people) who is off to college in New York City in the fall. I can't think of anywhere in the US that is more the opposite from where she grew up. It is an adventure. By doing these things, you take a risk and you grow and your life can be affected in very wonderful ways. </p>
<p>Get out of your "safe" zone. Go for it! I feel confident that you will be SO glad you did. </p>
<p>Best of luck,
Susan</p>
<p>PS, a very good friend of mine directs a program for inner city African American impoverished teenagers from DC and takes them to a "camp" (a property owned by a philanthropist who funds this entire endeavor for every kid) in Wyoming. These kids are out of their normal "element" and they learn and grow and are enriched by this very different experience. I think you will be too.</p>
<p>"We often most regret the things in life that we did not choose to do." </p>
<p>Very, very true. I had a couple opportunities to travel outside my comfort zone when I was just a little older than you, and I turned them down our of fear of the unknown. I have always regretted it.</p>
<p>Expand yourself! If you go to Wyoming, make sure you schedule time to visit Yellowstone National Park, one of Wyoming's, and the country's, most beautiful natural places.</p>
<p>Joev, That's like saying you've seen a postcard of NYC and have decided that New York State is too crowded for you. You can't judge anything about an entire state based on what you glimpsed out of an airplane window!</p>
<p>Sometimes it's hard as a parent to not share your fears with your children. Have a talk with your mother and tell her that her fear is not your fear. You're an adult and you'll make some choices she wouldn't make for you. And tell her you'll be careful!</p>
<p>What would you say to a Chesterfield mother who didn't want her protected suburban boy to go to the Loop? Is her boy in any real danger in the Loop? (nah). Should he pay attention to his surroundings, especially late at night? (yeah). Will he feel comfortable on the first visit? (nah) Are there Chesterfield boys who go to the Loop every day and feel at home there? (yeah probably).</p>
<p>How did you know? My mom does not want me near the loop, unless I'm accompanied by an adult. However, I still go to the loop. But, I usually sneak and go there.</p>