“I absolutely refuse to let my allergies determine where I go and the experiences I have,” she said.
Quiding and her schoolmates are preparing for a school trip to Vietnam, a country well-known for its growing of peanuts. She will be faced with the prospect of navigating her way through a completely different culture with its own language barriers, and ensuring she does not consume any peanut-related food during the trip.
Quiding explained that in preparing for her trip, she has learnt a few Vietnamese phrases and has translation cards which she will use to explain her allergy to locals.
“I plan on taking three EpiPens [anaphylaxis injector] to Vietnam and extra food that I know I can eat during my time there,” she said.
Quiding decided to join the trip after the World Challenge organisation did a presentation at her school about Vietnam. The upcoming trip is organised by World Challenged which focuses on expeditions for schoolchildren to different countries.
“We will be embarking on a four-day hike and also helping with a community service project at a Vietnamese orphanage,” said Quiding of the trip.
“I am particularly excited about the hike.”
She added that she has never allowed her allergies to prevent her from living life, and encouraged others facing the same challenges not to be discouraged.
“Don’t let your condition rule your life; don’t let something that you did not ask for dictate where you go and how you live.”
Details: www.world-challenge.co.uk
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