I have approximately 10 seconds to make a strong enough impression that you will continue to read my blog; I genuinely hope these next 10 seconds are worth your while. First and foremost, the basics. My full name is Katie Anne Gibson (maiden name – Ledl). I grew up in Lincoln Park, MI, a bustling suburb in the metro Detroit area. I am the daughter of two loving parents, James & Laura Ledl, who just celebrated 33 years of marriage, love, hardships, happiness, and unforgettable journeys. I am also the proud sister of 3 of the most beautiful women on earth: Olivia, Sarah, & Molly. Of course I should mention that Molly is my twin sister and we are the best of friends. Here I must also give a shout out to the Central Michigan Cheerleading squad, of whom Molly is captain, “Fire Up Chips!.”
I graduated from Lincoln Park High School in 2009 and immediately began pursuing a bachelor degree in social work at Spring Arbor University in Jackson, MI. The summer after graduating high school I met a handsome man named Aaron Gibson at the youth group we attended. Needless to say we hit it off! In 2010 we got engaged and we married June 3, 2011. He is a strong, compassionate, and visionary individual and I am delighted to experience life with him.
Recently, in January of 2012 I traveled on a 3 week cross cultural trip to the lovely nation of Cambodia. It was my first experience in the developing world and completely fell in love with the simplicity and the Khmer people’s values. I captured the essence of Cambodia in the following excerpt from my personal journal:
“Cambodia is a beautiful country featuring numerous opposites: peace and violence, oppression and acceptance, corruption and justice, beauty and suffering, poverty and wealth, and injustice and hope. I am constantly torn between love for the gentle Khmer people and contempt for the capitalists, corporations, and corrupt Cambodian government that continues to fail them, exploit them, and push these simple people deeper into chaos and perpetual poverty.”
The foreigners we met with were kind, courteous, and genuine. I really felt immersed and integrated into the culture. My experience in Cambodia encouraged me to seek out more international educational opportunities (hence studying abroad in Guatemala)!
In Guatemala, I hope to be be working with Asociacion Nuestros Ahijados (God’s Child Project) participating in an intensive social work internship. God’s Child Project is a holistic humanitarian and educational development organization dedicated to “breaking the chains of poverty through education and formation.” Their services include: assistance for women, education, health, nutrition, outreach, human rights, and shelter. More information on God’s Child Project can be found at http://www.godschild.org/.
I am currently completing my final year of my undergraduate social work degree. On May 11, 2013, a mere 2 days after returning home from Guatemala, both Aaron and I will graduate with generalized Bachelor of Social Work degree. In the future, I plan to specialize in macro social work particularly international or intercultural social work. I hope to be accepted to the University of Michigan, School of Social Work and begin graduate level courses Fall of 2013. Go Blue! :)
Likes: humanity, reading, world maps, exercising with my husband, Death Cab for Cutie, nature, supporting worthy causes, The Civil Wars, biking, Amnesty International, kayaking, Copeland, traveling the world to purposely learn & be immersed in other cultures, National Geographic, blankets, Sevenly, chocolate, autumn, Warby Parker, collecting copper pennies, & planning.
Dislikes: laziness, meat, all social problems of the world, hopelessness, putrid smells, wastefulness, spiders, arrogance, & extremely loud noises.
Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)
