College is a time when curiosity about the world reaches new heights. Listening to each other’s experiences and diving deep into your field of study can open the door to incredible opportunities. This was true for foreign affairs major Carter Spawn ’25, who became intrigued by the idea of going abroad after hearing his roommate William Gardner ’25 share stories about his time in Africa. Inspired by Will’s adventures, Carter embarked on his own African journey this past summer, blending his passion for foreign affairs with a month-long medical internship in Zambia.
Having been a part of Hampden-Sydney Volunteer Fire & Rescue for four years and possessing an interest in the field, Carter secured a medical internship through African Impact, a connection made possible by William, who had spent time in South Africa in 2022 and recommended the program. Much like William, this was a big step as Carter had never been outside of the United States.
“Following my interview with African Impact, I was able to explore the process of acquiring a visa, passport, and other travel essentials,” Carter said. “It was my first time traveling abroad, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect upon arrival, but I was excited to begin this journey.”
Carter secured various types of funding through a collaborative effort between the Ferguson Career Center and the Wilson Center. Working together, they ensured Carter was fully supported during his time abroad.
“Both the Career Center and the Wilson Center were a huge help,” Carter said. “Thanks to their efforts, I was able to apply for the right funding and received significant aid to support my time abroad.”
Looking ahead to a 35-hour trip, Carter was excited about the diverse experiences awaiting him in Zambia. Starting in Richmond, he flew to Washington D.C., then on to Frankfurt, Germany. From there, he continued to Johannesburg, South Africa, before finally arriving in Livingston, Zambia, where his adventure began.
In Zambia, Carter stayed in a designated section of a hostel in Livingston arranged by African Impact, sharing the space with nearly 25 other interns, including four public health interns. Although the eight men per room made it crowded, it offered an opportunity to bond with one another. Carter learned that much of Livingston relies on hydropower from the Zambezi River, which had been low due to recent droughts, affecting electricity throughout his stay. Despite the power challenges, he found the people to be very friendly and often met new individuals while exploring Livingston, which he described as a small city featuring a mix of paved and dirt roads, along with many street vendors.
“A lot of places were close to our hostel, so we did a lot of walking,” Carter said. “There was a museum, a tourist market, and some bars nearby, and during my walks to these places, I met many people and gained insight into their way of life.”
Working nine to five each day during the week, African Impact volunteers provided home-based care in villages in and around the Livingston area, performing tasks such as wound care, basic patient assessments, and administering pain relief medication. They also visited clinics to measure babies' height and weight, assessing malnutrition and various medical conditions. Additionally, Carter assisted in clinic waiting rooms, checking patients' vitals and directing them to the appropriate areas for care, as well as playing sports with children and reading to them.
“I was excited to put my medical knowledge to good use,” Carter said. “With my major, it was a valuable chance to view aid and development through the lens of national security, which is a focus of my thesis. I learned a lot about Zambian politics through conversations with locals, and their perspectives are crucial when considering policy. People's views often shift based on location, education, and profession, and my thesis focuses on building mutually beneficial relationships with other nations, which requires that shared understanding.”
In addition to helping in any way he could, Carter celebrated his birthday while abroad and dedicated a significant amount of his time to connecting with the locals and getting to know them personally. He mentioned that forming these relationships was one of the highlights of his experience abroad, as he engaged in various conversations about topics like the postal service, family life, his journey to Livingston, and even shared jokes that led to more in-depth conversations around politics.
“We began with simple conversations that gradually became more personal,” Carter said. “I found myself having political and philosophical discussions as well as lighthearted, funny chats, and it was truly special to witness the different personalities of the people I met.”
Amidst all this, Carter also ran into James C. Wheat Jr. Professor in Leadership John Hillen while in Livingston. Before their trips, they had discussed being in Africa at the same time, although Hillen wasn't sure which city he would be in. Fortunately, during the second-to-last weekend before Carter's departure, Hillen arrived in Livingston, and they were able to meet up and explore a local museum together.
“The fact that we were both in Livingston at the same time is quite significant,” Carter said. “I’m really glad we managed to coordinate and make it happen, especially since we had to communicate over email due to not having power for a long period of time.”
Looking back on his time abroad, Carter appreciated immersing himself in the culture and related it to Hampden-Sydney's mission: "It provided me with a new perspective, and I think it aligns with our mission of forming good men and good citizens. I believe that being a good citizen goes beyond being a good U.S. citizen; it means actively striving to improve yourself and help others no matter where you are."
Carter exemplifies the values that Hampden-Sydney strives to instill in its students. As a well-rounded citizen committed to making a positive impact, he embodies the College's mission of forming good men and good citizens. His experiences abroad have not only broadened his perspective but also reinforced his dedication to serving others. Needless to say, Carter is poised to carry the College’s mission forward, both on and off the Hill, as he continues his journey toward making a difference in the world.