If you'd like to read more about my academic experience abroad please see "Experiential Learning" > "International Engagement"
Some additional materials can be found under this ("Summer 2019") tab's subtabs downs"HONORS 223" and "HONORS 384"
Some additional materials can be found under this ("Summer 2019") tab's subtabs downs"HONORS 223" and "HONORS 384"
Before I go abroad...
7-11-2019
In less than ten days I will be off to study abroad in Europe for 5 weeks. I've said it and I will say it again: time is flying. This summer was too short. I can't believe when I return I will be a sophomore in my undergraduate education. I am eager to leave, but I am also a little sad. I have had a very busy summer, but it has by far been one of the greatest. I lived in this summer and made incredible new friendships. I was the only person from my house so it was a bit intimidating, but it was the best decision for me. It is amazing how quickly you become close with people when you live together (boys or girls). In addition, balancing spending time with my family, high school friends, and college friends in the area was not easy. I feel like I haven't even really seen anyone and, unfortunately, most of my high school friends will leave before I return. Despite a few cons, I know my second half of this summer will be live changing. This trip will push me out of my comfort zone just like the first. It's a summer of growth.
In less than ten days I will be off to study abroad in Europe for 5 weeks. I've said it and I will say it again: time is flying. This summer was too short. I can't believe when I return I will be a sophomore in my undergraduate education. I am eager to leave, but I am also a little sad. I have had a very busy summer, but it has by far been one of the greatest. I lived in this summer and made incredible new friendships. I was the only person from my house so it was a bit intimidating, but it was the best decision for me. It is amazing how quickly you become close with people when you live together (boys or girls). In addition, balancing spending time with my family, high school friends, and college friends in the area was not easy. I feel like I haven't even really seen anyone and, unfortunately, most of my high school friends will leave before I return. Despite a few cons, I know my second half of this summer will be live changing. This trip will push me out of my comfort zone just like the first. It's a summer of growth.
Stockholm, Sweden
7-27-2019
It is day 4 and I am having the time of my life so far. A few days ago I decided to make a last minute decision and travel to Copenhagen, Denmark next weekend. Last night when I was making stir fry with three other classmates in the hostel kitchen and we met a family from Copenhagen. The daughter, Veronika, is a year younger than me and offered to show us around the city. I can't wait. These are the interactions I was looking forward to when I learned we were staying in a hostel. I think I am finally on Stockholm time and I really like my fellow students. There is so much to look forward to in the weeks to come.
It is day 4 and I am having the time of my life so far. A few days ago I decided to make a last minute decision and travel to Copenhagen, Denmark next weekend. Last night when I was making stir fry with three other classmates in the hostel kitchen and we met a family from Copenhagen. The daughter, Veronika, is a year younger than me and offered to show us around the city. I can't wait. These are the interactions I was looking forward to when I learned we were staying in a hostel. I think I am finally on Stockholm time and I really like my fellow students. There is so much to look forward to in the weeks to come.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Helsinki, Finland
8-13-2019
It has been a few days since we've been back from Finland. This was the third new state I've been to in the past three weeks. It was a very quick trip to Helsinki. We were only docked for about 6 hours. I decided to spent the day alone. We were lucky to get the one sunny day out of the week. It was nice to explore a new city. I was nervous because I am usually pretty directionally challenged, but it was easy to navigate.
I visited 4 churches which was probably the most church I've been to since leaving my Catholic middle school. The second photo (from the left to the right) is the inside of one of the churches. There was so much beauty in Helsinki from the buildings to the waterfront to the flowers on the street. I loved the market place that was bustling with venders of food and goods. The people were very friendly.
Although I enjoyed Finland, I noticed thing I wouldn't have expected: a "Make Helsinki Great Again" hat. Throughout the program we have learned about the growing nationalism and conservatism, but I had failed to see it in fruition in the countries I've visited. During a panel in Pride House, one of the speakers said the world watched the United States. This was a prime example.
It has been a few days since we've been back from Finland. This was the third new state I've been to in the past three weeks. It was a very quick trip to Helsinki. We were only docked for about 6 hours. I decided to spent the day alone. We were lucky to get the one sunny day out of the week. It was nice to explore a new city. I was nervous because I am usually pretty directionally challenged, but it was easy to navigate.
I visited 4 churches which was probably the most church I've been to since leaving my Catholic middle school. The second photo (from the left to the right) is the inside of one of the churches. There was so much beauty in Helsinki from the buildings to the waterfront to the flowers on the street. I loved the market place that was bustling with venders of food and goods. The people were very friendly.
Although I enjoyed Finland, I noticed thing I wouldn't have expected: a "Make Helsinki Great Again" hat. Throughout the program we have learned about the growing nationalism and conservatism, but I had failed to see it in fruition in the countries I've visited. During a panel in Pride House, one of the speakers said the world watched the United States. This was a prime example.
London, England
9-9-2019
Wow! I've been so busy since I've been home this is the first time I've gotten a chance to sit down and write. When I reached London I was able to have my actual "vacation". Although I was tired from traveling, it was so good to see my friends after two years. I have visited such a busy city. London was overwhelming at first, but by the end of the week I fell in love. There were so many different people to see and things to do. One of the highlights of my visit was seeing Hamilton. It was my friend's first time seeing it live. Hamilton was very special because we had bonded over our love for the musical when we first met. We also went to a fancy dinner at a place I wanted to visit since the beginning of high school: Sketch Gallery. In addition, we saw art by Banksy and Monet (two of my favorite artists). Lastly, the day before I left we went to Carnival. I loved seeing my old friends and meeting some new ones along the way.
Wow! I've been so busy since I've been home this is the first time I've gotten a chance to sit down and write. When I reached London I was able to have my actual "vacation". Although I was tired from traveling, it was so good to see my friends after two years. I have visited such a busy city. London was overwhelming at first, but by the end of the week I fell in love. There were so many different people to see and things to do. One of the highlights of my visit was seeing Hamilton. It was my friend's first time seeing it live. Hamilton was very special because we had bonded over our love for the musical when we first met. We also went to a fancy dinner at a place I wanted to visit since the beginning of high school: Sketch Gallery. In addition, we saw art by Banksy and Monet (two of my favorite artists). Lastly, the day before I left we went to Carnival. I loved seeing my old friends and meeting some new ones along the way.