The first week in a new country is full of impressions, emotions, and new experiences - they reveal a lot about how you adjust, how you feel, and what you expect from your ESC journey. This exercise helps you pause and capture those “mental snapshots,” so you can look back later and see how far you’ve come.
What you will need:
- Notebook or blank paper,
- Pen or pencil (optional - coloured pens or markers for emotions or frames)
- If doing it digitally: phone, tablet, or computer (notes app, drawing app, or document tool).
Instructions:
- Imagine taking 3 mental “photos” of yourself during your first week.
- “Me arriving at the airport,”
- “Me during the first meeting in organisation,”
- “Me after a long day”
- For each:
- Describe the scene
- Note what emotion you see on your face
- Write one thought you had in that moment
Reflection:
- Which of these three “Polaroids” brings the strongest memory for me? Why?
- What do these moments show me about how I handle new beginnings?
- Do I see any patterns in my emotions or thoughts?
- Looking at these first impressions - what do I hope will change, and what do I hope will stay the same?
Share (Optional):
If reflecting with a peer: each person shares their 3 Polaroids.
After listening, the buddy can ask simple questions like:
- What surprised you most about how you felt in that moment?
- Which Polaroid shows you at your best?
Guidance for mentors/facilitators:
- Questions to deepen reflection:
- Which Polaroid do you think you’ll look back on with the most pride?
- What do these snapshots tell you about your hopes or fears in this new role?