May 30 - Reflection and Contemplation: Bitter Sweet

I have finally come to the end of my study abroad trips and could not be feeling more grateful for the support provided to me by friends, family, and professors. I was so afraid to come on these trips initially as I had never left the country before. On top of that fear, all in the same week, I had lost my job and been accepted to both study abroad trips which added a lot of financial stress onto an already terrifying idea... I honestly don't know what to say except that I would encourage anyone to follow in my footsteps. Two study abroad trips back to back was difficult. It took a lot from me and repaid me in experiences that will likely shape my future in ways I cannot understand.

There was one pre-trip meeting that a professor said something along the lines of, "Our hope is that you go on this trip and upon returning home you can say, 'This was my life before and this is my life after.'" What I can say is, that goal was certainly accomplished.