Lifelong Impact
As my graduation date has inched closer and closer throughout my final year as an Emory undergraduate, it has caused me to look back and reflect on special moments from the last four years.
Biology
Recall-19
The idea of being stuck in another nation or having to leave early during a study abroad experience is something that seems to only happen in movies. At least that is what I thought before I received that recall email from the Emory Study Abroad Office, making finding a ticket home as soon as possible my new priority.
Embracing Differences in Salamanca, Spain
Spain is often deemed one of the most accepting countries regarding issues like race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, and mental health, among other factors. Although Spain isn’t perfect, I was amazed by how willing people were to have conversations on topics the US fears confronting.
The Friends I Met Abroad who Made My Time in Spain Unforgettable
I can easily say that the reason why I loved my time abroad was because of the kind people I met. My host mom, the Emory students and advisors in my group, and students in my classes created a supportive community around me, making every day exciting and memorable.
Meeting in Morocco
For every study abroad trip, there is always one factor that is impossible to prepare for: the friends who will be studying alongside you. Whether they are newly made friends or ones brought from home, they will define your experience one way or another.
Sweet Gelato, and even Sweeter Memories in Spain
Community is a vital part of Spanish culture, and what better way to establish community than through food? From the pastries to the tapas to the home-cooked meals, food was involved in just about every social interaction I had in Salamanca, always making it taste so much better.
Dining in Paris
During, my stay in Paris, I did not go out to eat at restaurants very often. Since I was planning on staying for a little over 6 months, I was planning on budgeting my money so I could spend more when my friends would have come to visit.
Study Hard, Study Hungry
Most people do not associate excellent food with any of the nations in the United Kingdom, and to be honest, neither did I. Dishes such as haggis, blood sausage, and kidney pie come to mind. Let me just say, do not believe everything you hear.
Becoming Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: Lessons I Learned Abroad
Before I left for Spain, I made some goals that I wanted to achieve. Although I achieved them, I realize now that the main lessons I learned did not fall into some traditional plan that I crafted beforehand, but instead encouraged me to become uncomfortable with being uncomfortable.
Exploring France: Tranquility and Freedom
Here I am exploring the fun little town of Dijon, France. This was the last excursion our program had in store for us before we had to leave. However, I took full advantage of every second I had!