One hundred and seventy six. According to the
2013 United States Census Bureau, that’s exactly how many people live in my
hometown. Its 620 acres of fields, fields and more fields, with the occasional
house every blue moon. When I brought the idea of traveling to the cities of
London, Paris and Amsterdam for study abroad to my parents you would have
thought I told them I was traveling to the moon. While they were hesitant, they
knew how much of an opportunity this presented for me and were supportive in
this endeavor. After conducting research, reading all that I could read and
learning all that I could learn, I packed my bags and set off on a jet plane.
While I have been to “bigger” cities such as Chicago, I had no idea what was in
store for me. I had never ridden in a taxi, taken any form of public transportation
beyond a school bus, been surrounded by so many people at one time, nor had I ever
been in such a compact setting. However, regardless of the fact that I was
completely out of my element, the minute we landed, the excitement overshadowed
any fear or nervousness I had previously experienced.
The entire experience was an absolute blessing
to myself and my future. I would recommend that every person do what they can
to experience cultures and countries beyond what they are accustomed to. I have
gained knowledge that one cannot achieve within the walls of a classroom. I
learned what it meant to be mindful of other cultures and that the best way to
really get familiar with a culture is to participate in it. Do not be afraid to
step outside your comfort zone and experience new things, talk to the natives
and ride the subway. Those were the best ways that I found for me to adapt from
what I was used to, to what I was encountering. Taking those first steps
towards this experience was one of the best decisions I ever made. Embrace
differences and changes because they are what make people, places and life what
they are, and what they are is beautiful and enriching.
