First Impression

When I got asked to join the Alternative Break Program, I had no idea what to expect.
I had never gone a trip before and I didn't know anyone on the board. I felt like the outsider and, honestly, had too much going on to put effort into knowing anyone. I would do what I needed to do, plan my trip, and keep it moving.

My first impression was that ABP was an organization of people from all different backgrounds.
My first impression was that I wouldn't get along with any of them.
My first impression of the group dynamic was that some were friends and others weren't.
My first impression was that I would be that one person under the "not friends" category.
My first impression was that this was a lot more work than I should've signed up for.
My first impression was that I wouldn't be able to get it done.

Then, I went on my first ABP trip with my board.

I learned that I had a lot more in common with the people on the board than I thought even though we're all from different backgrounds.
I learned that I would actually be able to not only get along with the people on the board, but have conversations that I normally wouldn't have.
I learned that even though not everyone is best friends with each other, every friendship within the board is just different.
I learned that I can now put myself in the "has new friends" category.
I learned that, yes, ABP is a lot of work, but I'm glad I signed up for it.
I learned that I will be able to get anything and everything I need to get done finished because I now have solid support group that I can call on.

My first impression was wrong and after just one weekend each person has made a lasting impression on me.