A man and a child walk down a Barcelona street as people hold hands on October 26, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.
I've always heard good things about studying abroad. It's about how studying abroad changes you, how it changes your sense of independence, expands your mind, gives you new experiences, allows you to meet new people, explore new cultures and new languages.
That's true, but that's not all. It enriches you as a whole person. Overall.
I went to England in the fall of 2023. I went to England, afraid of the cold and rain. I left England loving the cold and rain… just kidding.
I chose the Creative Writing Program at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, which opened many doors for me.
Networking will follow me for years to come. I have friends overseas that I can contact, and I sometimes receive feedback on my writing. I learned how to write more confidently and creatively.
Writing creatively can be vulnerable and scary, but taking a creative storytelling class at UEA made me realize that writers have a common experience.
This connection was reflected in my time at Loyola. I entered my semester abroad with the intention of connecting with and understanding my feminine side.
Then, in her third year, she began to question the significance of being a woman and what it meant to her, and enrolled in a feminist theater class.
When I entered the classroom, I felt nervous. I complimented a girl who wore colorful eyeliner like me and tried to break her out of her shell. As the semester progressed, we became even closer. I asked another girl next to me if she wanted to do a group project with me. Another friend also joined us.
The four of us met and discussed the project. It quickly and easily turned into a deep conversation about what it means to be a woman. We discussed hard truths. A universal experience that we all have. I realized that we all have the same story. Same feelings about the same issues. Everyone had different ideas, but somehow they all connected and fit seamlessly.
we were unstoppable.
By the end of the semester, I felt so close to them that I could literally share anything with them. They showed me love. They taught me how to overcome obstacles and fears. They gave me strength when I needed it. We developed a sense of sisterhood. As a result, I became more aware of my independence and femininity.
While I was in England, I felt inspired in a way I never had before. I felt comfortable. I could feel myself getting smarter. There were no restrictions. Since it was cool, there was a smoking break during class.
We visited a museum that featured artists who challenged the status quo. I made friends with students from different backgrounds and got many ideas for future projects. I was surrounded by students who craved creative freedom and knowledge as much as I did. I met professors who had completely new ideas and encouraged me to think differently. I learned about political differences and how British kids think about America. It's completely different from American kids. The way I think about America has also changed.
In addition to England, I have also had the opportunity to visit other countries such as Spain, Wales, and Scotland.
In Barcelona, he walked around the city and participated in Palestinian protests. It was very powerful and people were walking very openly. It was very moving. Vulnerable. Living. Angry but calm.
I was filled with sullen impatience and deep sadness. The energy was filled with hope for change. I took as many pictures as I could and watched the water run down my eyelids and other people's eyes become glossy too. Flags waving back and forth, signs that say genocide in Spanish.
In London, a protest for the rights of bulldogs and pit bulls in front of Big Ben brought traffic to a standstill for hours. Pit bulls are currently being killed there because they are “too dangerous.” people were screaming. The horn was blown. The police were stationary and indifferent.
Anti-Palestinian protests broke out in Scotland on Memorial Day. The screams and speeches from the microphone echoed overwhelmingly in the air.
All the protests I have encountered have opened my eyes to modern international issues and how everyone is affected by the current political crisis. Protests are happening all over the world and America doesn't even know about it.
I have lived in my parents' home for 21 years, but this was the first time I had fled a coup for several months. I went there without knowing anyone who lived there and made a fresh start.
I long for independence, which was a big reason why I wanted to study abroad in the first place.
I am truly grateful for my experience and encourage those who have the opportunity to strive towards studying abroad. It may sound cliché, but I discovered a new side of myself. I would still be there if I could.
