tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60795919392351013362024-03-25T05:16:27.783-07:00There Be DragonsJoin Lloyd International Honors students and their dragon companions on their international experiencesEric B. Tolerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04676177274604992020noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-26239705525069162032023-08-15T07:41:00.007-07:002023-08-28T12:17:00.221-07:00Samuel Discovered No Dragons in Wales<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span class="TextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847)" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Hello, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Samuel Argueta, and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">welcome to another edition of “There Be Dragons!” </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW115183857 BCX4" color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847)" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW115183857 BCX4" paraeid="{82b2f7ae-55c1-4a25-abbd-1fb7a5274aa3}{193}" paraid="598161838" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Let me get introductions out of the way. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a senior </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">majoring in</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> English</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> with the hopes of becoming a novelist and editor</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. Additionally, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a member of the Undergraduate Creative Writing Club and Alpha Lambda Delta, and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> an honors student completing international and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">disciplinary honors. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW115183857 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW115183857 BCX4" paraeid="{82b2f7ae-55c1-4a25-abbd-1fb7a5274aa3}{209}" paraid="755835934" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">This is the grand</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">but summarized,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> tale of my time abroad in Wales </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">during the </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">spring semester</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, where I studied</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> creative writing at the *ahem* University of Wales Trinity Saint David</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> at Lampeter</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Unfortunately,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> since</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> dragons </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">don’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> exist in Wales, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">so you know everything is a lie, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I legally cannot talk about the little troll guy I met at a Saintsbury parking lot unless I want to incur his raw, unbridled rage</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I'll</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> have to make </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">it grand</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> with what I got</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW115183857 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> from my experience.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW115183857 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW115183857 BCX4" paraeid="{82b2f7ae-55c1-4a25-abbd-1fb7a5274aa3}{209}" paraid="755835934" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhor5J3nrezMhkp4cKns1Y9WhxpLG-JcnOErPum3tL28sGyH4Pmmv5pfIDPBi_eFQN15bDsbGKYmQZMbaBpck_R3emk6rRmZ3kecAcyweNUQv49FGK7FHQUek7dQbORew0Sk1fI4tgHnHoQkkxW6X6jZPdLkiLvzFUpMRIginPk8-ukcbYqeTDuTyXJngK8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1020" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhor5J3nrezMhkp4cKns1Y9WhxpLG-JcnOErPum3tL28sGyH4Pmmv5pfIDPBi_eFQN15bDsbGKYmQZMbaBpck_R3emk6rRmZ3kecAcyweNUQv49FGK7FHQUek7dQbORew0Sk1fI4tgHnHoQkkxW6X6jZPdLkiLvzFUpMRIginPk8-ukcbYqeTDuTyXJngK8" width="208" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="TextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">The </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">road to study</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ing</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> abroad was not full of kittens and</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">rainbows</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">; m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ore like screaming </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Evas</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Money </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">wasn’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> issue, as I got support from the Gilman S</span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">cholarship</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and I saved up enough to survive</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Instead, it was dealing with crippling mental issues </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’ve</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> suffered from all my life.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">My anxiety disorder and persistent depression spiked during the fall of 2022, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">and a crisis</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I had</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> back in November threatened to take away</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> all</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> the work I put in. My parents and</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> university staff were </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">reasonably wary</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> of sending me </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2Themed SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlAdvancedProofingIssueV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">4,348 miles</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> away</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> to a country </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I'd</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> never been to before on my own. My dream to one day </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiPz4KPHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNXB4IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjNweCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUgMyIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KICAgIDwhLS0gR2VuZXJhdG9yOiBTa2V0Y2ggNTUuMiAoNzgxODEpIC0gaHR0cHM6Ly9za2V0Y2hhcHAuY29tIC0tPgogICAgPHRpdGxlPmdyYW1tYXJfZG91YmxlX2xpbmU8L3RpdGxlPgogICAgPGRlc2M+Q3JlYXRlZCB3aXRoIFNrZXRjaC48L2Rlc2M+CiAgICA8ZyBpZD0iZ3JhbW1hcl9kb3VibGVfbGluZSIgc3Ryb2tlPSJub25lIiBzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg9IjEiIGZpbGw9Im5vbmUiIGZpbGwtcnVsZT0iZXZlbm9kZCIgc3Ryb2tlLWxpbmVjYXA9InJvdW5kIj4KICAgICAgICA8ZyBpZD0iR3JhbW1hci1UaWxlLUNvcHkiIHN0cm9rZT0iIzMzNTVGRiI+CiAgICAgICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0wLDAuNSBMNSwwLjUiIGlkPSJMaW5lLTItQ29weS0xMCI+PC9wYXRoPgogICAgICAgICAgICA8cGF0aCBkPSJNMCwyLjUgTDUsMi41IiBpZD0iTGluZS0yLUNvcHktMTEiPjwvcGF0aD4KICAgICAgICA8L2c+CiAgICA8L2c+Cjwvc3ZnPg==")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">explore</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> the world pushed me to keep </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">up</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> my plan, but I had to prove to everyone that they </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">didn’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> have to worry </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">about me </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">too much. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Throughout</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> December</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, I got a psychiatrist who prescribed the right pills, contacted </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">UWTSD</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> about mental health </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">programs</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, had a ton of sessions with my therapist, and ruminated about myself in the comforts of my bed</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> at 3 a.m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. Now</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a month </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">didn’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> heal the scars</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">—</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">don’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> advertise trying to do the same thing</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">—</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">but I mentally recovered enough to feel ready for my trip, while also easing the stress from my parents. With my head held up high, I boarded my flight</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> in January</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and landed in Londo</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">n because </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">the Charlotte</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Douglas Airport </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">didn’t</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> have a stop at Cardiff. </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Had</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> to wait an hour for the university to send a van to get me to campus. </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed GrammarErrorHighlight SCXW208627054 BCX4" color="var(--clrSquiggleHighlightTextColor, #000000)" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">But,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> the point is I made it to campus and my </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">abroad experience</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW208627054 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> began.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW208627054 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0SGPaLrskvmenO-hVziquNO2r_wo-KxQnet0UVSVsi6dbt-ZILonhM08X3dPOvSLqHjy-GluSmdCxh_Aag27UnYQI7Va5SFshObfczZuelNsN0YHhu4OYj26zk_cTSdg7ZaQTHqWyNHZBtVsYpjhLqSZOtSBmiEQaj89cp1lO89cKWQR4yi7eeCIseeH/s4608/100_0193.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb0SGPaLrskvmenO-hVziquNO2r_wo-KxQnet0UVSVsi6dbt-ZILonhM08X3dPOvSLqHjy-GluSmdCxh_Aag27UnYQI7Va5SFshObfczZuelNsN0YHhu4OYj26zk_cTSdg7ZaQTHqWyNHZBtVsYpjhLqSZOtSBmiEQaj89cp1lO89cKWQR4yi7eeCIseeH/s320/100_0193.JPG" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hPA712TxNqx2TaUHJPK6I_DklYhnPz57o_MJSZpI0Szd6yrxLxO7EWlnYsvSV7BO9UIVFOWd7jRegk8VFHOnmVpsFAh4I2LwgV-UjCg5vuBQsoGEgfdYUiJHvVI62fVaFXM2siWwmOjk-9DKbgWzfCcuH25LXdoiQcdLNgI4sTVVYxXWcCECn_2Sv7-Z/s4608/100_0301.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hPA712TxNqx2TaUHJPK6I_DklYhnPz57o_MJSZpI0Szd6yrxLxO7EWlnYsvSV7BO9UIVFOWd7jRegk8VFHOnmVpsFAh4I2LwgV-UjCg5vuBQsoGEgfdYUiJHvVI62fVaFXM2siWwmOjk-9DKbgWzfCcuH25LXdoiQcdLNgI4sTVVYxXWcCECn_2Sv7-Z/s320/100_0301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYweQixbQyeiyQxR8q-9huWb4RrdSwwoRpLdAVqgjyf5cXt7GZNVyUBL5fkqYWajUMr8rr1-Jg9iRuyJz5Bis8ij9lFwxQhrGBh1MvfmPsO72fB3PDED2CZCfzFpMcFqCVJTG-jrHpyXE6IaBB1K4H_C-BPlSGk5JEtVjbMzEHuB5-Y47ld-jqFej_pIV/s4608/100_0575.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYweQixbQyeiyQxR8q-9huWb4RrdSwwoRpLdAVqgjyf5cXt7GZNVyUBL5fkqYWajUMr8rr1-Jg9iRuyJz5Bis8ij9lFwxQhrGBh1MvfmPsO72fB3PDED2CZCfzFpMcFqCVJTG-jrHpyXE6IaBB1K4H_C-BPlSGk5JEtVjbMzEHuB5-Y47ld-jqFej_pIV/s320/100_0575.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="TextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">One of the reason</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I chose good </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ol</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">’ UWTSD was because it was the cheaper </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">option</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> out</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> of the many international universities with a creative writing program. Going abroad was </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">going to be</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> expensive no matter </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">what university I chose,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> so I decided to choose something a little easier </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">on</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> my wallet. But I was also interested in their proposal of</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> being able to write a manuscript that could lead to it being published. That turned out to be the Independent Project module, which was </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">very similar</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> to the senior honors project I will be doing</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> later this year</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Instead of going to a class, I worked on my </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">own time to write an 8000-word short story and a 1000-word critical essay reflecting on my process and the story as a whole.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Unfortunately, taking this class meant that I could only take 2 courses throughout my time abroad. No problem for me, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I'm</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> used to n</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ot going out and making friends with classmates.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I still touch grass though, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">what’s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131392163 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> your excuse?</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW131392163 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;"> </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOk_73mgEbSLT5H0AfHwdTIKrWIWydSu5avG0Z0sauRGcEoZzZH910Jg9IyPsm81rSsRwS1A0nK0pdo9r4CsCOqFZGYyPzeEyUkSbfG4O2wiwdmLxUcn68ifIzTQ5_NH3KIgATrKmqH_TeizU_oSqUnjr9kqftZw5SSHZx75tlyp-_fL7Eh-0_mutRn8W/s4608/100_0452.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOk_73mgEbSLT5H0AfHwdTIKrWIWydSu5avG0Z0sauRGcEoZzZH910Jg9IyPsm81rSsRwS1A0nK0pdo9r4CsCOqFZGYyPzeEyUkSbfG4O2wiwdmLxUcn68ifIzTQ5_NH3KIgATrKmqH_TeizU_oSqUnjr9kqftZw5SSHZx75tlyp-_fL7Eh-0_mutRn8W/s320/100_0452.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="TextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I decided to write a </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">science-fiction horror short-</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">story</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. The story is</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> about a girl who returns to her hometown years after </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">she</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and her family escaped due to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">the townspeople’s cultish obsession over them, only to find a mystery when the town is both devoid of life and </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiPz4KPHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNXB4IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjNweCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUgMyIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KICAgIDwhLS0gR2VuZXJhdG9yOiBTa2V0Y2ggNTUuMiAoNzgxODEpIC0gaHR0cHM6Ly9za2V0Y2hhcHAuY29tIC0tPgogICAgPHRpdGxlPmdyYW1tYXJfZG91YmxlX2xpbmU8L3RpdGxlPgogICAgPGRlc2M+Q3JlYXRlZCB3aXRoIFNrZXRjaC48L2Rlc2M+CiAgICA8ZyBpZD0iZ3JhbW1hcl9kb3VibGVfbGluZSIgc3Ryb2tlPSJub25lIiBzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg9IjEiIGZpbGw9Im5vbmUiIGZpbGwtcnVsZT0iZXZlbm9kZCIgc3Ryb2tlLWxpbmVjYXA9InJvdW5kIj4KICAgICAgICA8ZyBpZD0iR3JhbW1hci1UaWxlLUNvcHkiIHN0cm9rZT0iIzMzNTVGRiI+CiAgICAgICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0wLDAuNSBMNSwwLjUiIGlkPSJMaW5lLTItQ29weS0xMCI+PC9wYXRoPgogICAgICAgICAgICA8cGF0aCBkPSJNMCwyLjUgTDUsMi41IiBpZD0iTGluZS0yLUNvcHktMTEiPjwvcGF0aD4KICAgICAgICA8L2c+CiAgICA8L2c+Cjwvc3ZnPg==")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">war-ridden</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">My advisor throughout the project was Professor Sarah Reynolds, who also taught the other course I </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">participated</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> in. Great person; absolutely recommend </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">UWTSD to people interested in creative writing</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> just </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">for her</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Anyway,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">we would have meetings based on the drafts I sent </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">her</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and she would discuss</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">what’s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> good </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">about them </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">and what could change</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and/or be improved</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. She was hard on me but </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">that’s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> because she knew the writing business</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and I could tell she genuinely wanted to help me…also because I</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> once</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> gave her a draft made up of around 18</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">000</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> words. Yes, I did go way over the word limit and, yes, I did condense the hell out of that story. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">It was so much that I still had work </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">when I left the country early to travel with my family to El Salvador in May. But, at the end of a grueling 2-week grind, I successfully turned in my story, which I christened "How it Struck, In A Silent Way." </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Although the publishing thing never happened, which I </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">shouldn't</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> be surprised by since that was obviously meant for students</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> who were</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">completing the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> full 4 years, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’ll</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">probably send</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> it to the Greensboro </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Review</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> when I feel </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">it’s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> ready for the public</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Despite that,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> glad that I wrote a completed </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">manuscript</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> proud of the lessons I learned from Professor Reynolds</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> that helped me better my craft</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW106761874 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW106761874 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoRkWvYoMR0WhNbVoQ5Otv0i-3gnx6U4vL5YNEewdiJ7XPTyFDNZXcMYJ4TyjEgz0wULz8PS8ldNfEWHjXl5xN0csVslipynOVOCwtnLqOucGiqcYQ0EBrBKfeo6bXRg1LNEkQ9kgyXt6Kfv0GDAKRBa5M3hEEDg4qAcpJugOcr4SXfjdhiI6w1Qj5kLW/s2048/IMG-20230424-WA0008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoRkWvYoMR0WhNbVoQ5Otv0i-3gnx6U4vL5YNEewdiJ7XPTyFDNZXcMYJ4TyjEgz0wULz8PS8ldNfEWHjXl5xN0csVslipynOVOCwtnLqOucGiqcYQ0EBrBKfeo6bXRg1LNEkQ9kgyXt6Kfv0GDAKRBa5M3hEEDg4qAcpJugOcr4SXfjdhiI6w1Qj5kLW/s320/IMG-20230424-WA0008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><p></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW207345666 BCX4" paraeid="{542ca0c6-96ab-48ef-974d-5887a5748c57}{247}" paraid="894822973" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Now, with the sch</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ool stuff out of the way, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’ll</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> share two </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">experiences </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I cherish</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ed</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. In the months leading to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">the start date</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, I imagined traveling around Wales on my own; a lone adventurer meeting new people and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">exploring</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">new and beautiful</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> sites. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I was fairly convinced</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> this would happen</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, but that changed when I met two people who became irreplaceable friends: Lavinia and Phoenix.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I met them both at the airport and got to know them </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">during the van ride to campus</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. Lavinia </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">wa</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s from Italy</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> while Phoenix was from China. We all stay</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ed in the same apartment</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">; I and</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Lavinia w</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ere </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">basically</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">next-door</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> neighbor</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s in the same flat while Phoenix was 3 floors above us</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. We shared a lot of memories, traveling to the neighboring towns </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">of Carmarthen and Aberystwyth, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">and eating together in </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">our</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> small</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> kitchen.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">But </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’ll</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> never forget how </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">much </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">they </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">understood and supported me when the memories of my crisis resurfaced or when my depression worsened</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. None of the experiences I had in Wales would have been as memorable without them, and I still cherish the friendship we forged. </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW207345666 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW207345666 BCX4" paraeid="{cd899400-14ba-4327-af84-8b2fe9f90062}{70}" paraid="2131866548" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Also, my right eye is half-closed in half of the pictures involving me and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">my </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW207345666 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">friends. Lavinia…forgive me.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW207345666 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkYhuVOxdoaxajbUc3wC74mIXd0YXc73CT4DKc-pcftg8fSntwrGFxRgRndHzseDLlDxWsUFk1u7JmFvI3huX1qXUHgeunsaFJyiLyztvhjiWpjDby1o7R8BL99E2r-CZJaamZv0uDDXw55njghiJik5Umi-lPVXpkjDLYqPfThJCCyPXn5ZVdg4w3XlH/s3264/20230418_103626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkYhuVOxdoaxajbUc3wC74mIXd0YXc73CT4DKc-pcftg8fSntwrGFxRgRndHzseDLlDxWsUFk1u7JmFvI3huX1qXUHgeunsaFJyiLyztvhjiWpjDby1o7R8BL99E2r-CZJaamZv0uDDXw55njghiJik5Umi-lPVXpkjDLYqPfThJCCyPXn5ZVdg4w3XlH/s320/20230418_103626.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW180580921 BCX4" paraeid="{cd899400-14ba-4327-af84-8b2fe9f90062}{86}" paraid="431895586" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">In April, I and other UNCG students that went to Wales took the opportunity to travel to other countries</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">during our Easter Break</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. In a week, we went to London, Paris, and Dublin. Planning that was hell, especially with getting </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">the timing for arriving and </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">departing</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> right, but we</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> still</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> had a magical time. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Now that you have the context, let me tell you the story in which I went off on my own somewhere while in </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Pari</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. Not all of us arrived at the same time</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> due to not sharing the same mode of transportation</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">—for example, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I took the train while others took a plane</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">—</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> so some of them were going to wait at the Airbnb</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> we rented</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. I, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">on the other hand, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">decided to travel to</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> the main city on my own to</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> place I figured no one else in the group </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">would have any interest in</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. Yes, I went on my own </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">in</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a city with a language I had no clue about, and I still have one </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">of</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> my kidneys. You might be </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">thinking that I went to the Louvre or the Eiffel Tower </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">as an excuse </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">to get a semblance of that original dream.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW180580921 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW180580921 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW180580921 BCX4" paraeid="{cd899400-14ba-4327-af84-8b2fe9f90062}{144}" paraid="820162804" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW180580921 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Nope, I went to the Bandai Hobby Store.</span><span class="EOP SCXW180580921 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div></div><br /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847)" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></div></div><br /><span class="EOP SCXW208627054 BCX4" color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847)" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQinl408xaV2BTOFkZwXJWe8bADI6B1CC_bTZvIcXJuhAevp3eUoJAGQUZAP4zNPtZVaAHXHzz7x3cSu9e4hiuErsKyHRmu1BqdSg0vF7WvqeDUMZ55myuGxPC0YM9Kn53lx1Vn--6r4Rnv9UNMdULmnDtu5oe85g4Lzfj416p3_No1ujxTvLVDLGCp9s3/s3264/20230414_165607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQinl408xaV2BTOFkZwXJWe8bADI6B1CC_bTZvIcXJuhAevp3eUoJAGQUZAP4zNPtZVaAHXHzz7x3cSu9e4hiuErsKyHRmu1BqdSg0vF7WvqeDUMZ55myuGxPC0YM9Kn53lx1Vn--6r4Rnv9UNMdULmnDtu5oe85g4Lzfj416p3_No1ujxTvLVDLGCp9s3/s320/20230414_165607.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI8dCyS3fBkKPbmGTeVMDEJE4pYMfbgGWK9FbmcB7WZrUiDFo5dt1J85bTdDYso7TqbVhcixveQoGhZOna6AuAWwQlbCOH3u_u7UysDhVpPIpsBpwYdxuuK1tCg34YhQzPnjMiYB1Z-ij6fXvHYtNWEjUV2b2cqiZGb56NtWRhWDDQAlcvxNnTYZIIEAg/s4160/20230415_191808.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="1920" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI8dCyS3fBkKPbmGTeVMDEJE4pYMfbgGWK9FbmcB7WZrUiDFo5dt1J85bTdDYso7TqbVhcixveQoGhZOna6AuAWwQlbCOH3u_u7UysDhVpPIpsBpwYdxuuK1tCg34YhQzPnjMiYB1Z-ij6fXvHYtNWEjUV2b2cqiZGb56NtWRhWDDQAlcvxNnTYZIIEAg/s320/20230415_191808.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW149990936 BCX4" paraeid="{cd899400-14ba-4327-af84-8b2fe9f90062}{162}" paraid="1898773960" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">What? Hey, at least you saw a picture of West Minister Abbey from </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">a high position</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> within the London</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> Eye.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW149990936 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW149990936 BCX4" paraeid="{cd899400-14ba-4327-af84-8b2fe9f90062}{168}" paraid="1712375119" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I’m</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a huge fan of Gundam </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">fan</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> My favorite part is all the war crimes being committed, and Amuro getting slapped.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> However, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">dedicated Bandai and Gundam stores are far and few between</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> in America. So,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> when I learned there was one </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">located</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> in Paris,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I just</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> had to </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">visit</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Heck, on my to-do list for Paris, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I put that as the top priority </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">over the Eiffel Tower. Anyway, when I stepped into that store, I realized that I stepped into a Gundam paradise masquerading as a store.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Various built models </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">in glass displays</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, categorized by the show they appeared in;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> a</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> stairwell leading to the bottom floor that had a timeline of all of the Rx-78-2 Gundam model kits over the years, with the actual models behind glass embedded in the wall;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">shelves</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> upon </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">shelves full</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> of model kit</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> boxes</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">; </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">even a dedicated </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">fixture</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> for people’s entries from Gundam model </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">builders’</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> competitions including the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">gold</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> first-place</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> trophy.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> I was in consumer heaven!</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> It was so much </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">to absorb that I was in that store for a whole hour. By the end, I bought a 1/144 scale model kit of the Rx-78 Gundam based on the giant moving statue in Yokohama, Japan,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> as a memento of my visit</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. Yep, that was the best hour of my life, surrounded by beautiful plastic </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">robots</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2Themed SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-image: var(--urlSpellingErrorV2, url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiPz4KPHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNXB4IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjRweCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUgNCIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KICAgIDwhLS0gR2VuZXJhdG9yOiBTa2V0Y2ggNTYuMiAoODE2NzIpIC0gaHR0cHM6Ly9za2V0Y2guY29tIC0tPgogICAgPHRpdGxlPnNwZWxsaW5nX3NxdWlnZ2xlPC90aXRsZT4KICAgIDxkZXNjPkNyZWF0ZWQgd2l0aCBTa2V0Y2guPC9kZXNjPgogICAgPGcgaWQ9IkZsYWdzIiBzdHJva2U9Im5vbmUiIHN0cm9rZS13aWR0aD0iMSIgZmlsbD0ibm9uZSIgZmlsbC1ydWxlPSJldmVub2RkIj4KICAgICAgICA8ZyB0cmFuc2Zvcm09InRyYW5zbGF0ZSgtMTAxMC4wMDAwMDAsIC0yOTYuMDAwMDAwKSIgaWQ9InNwZWxsaW5nX3NxdWlnZ2xlIj4KICAgICAgICAgICAgPGcgdHJhbnNmb3JtPSJ0cmFuc2xhdGUoMTAxMC4wMDAwMDAsIDI5Ni4wMDAwMDApIj4KICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0wLDMgQzEuMjUsMyAxLjI1LDEgMi41LDEgQzMuNzUsMSAzLjc1LDMgNSwzIiBpZD0iUGF0aCIgc3Ryb2tlPSIjRUIwMDAwIiBzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg9IjEiPjwvcGF0aD4KICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGlkPSJSZWN0YW5nbGUiIHg9IjAiIHk9IjAiIHdpZHRoPSI1IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjQiPjwvcmVjdD4KICAgICAgICAgICAgPC9nPgogICAgICAgIDwvZz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+")); background-position: 100% 50%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Freakin</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> worth it.</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW149990936 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></span><span class="EOP SCXW149990936 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW5711578 BCX4" paraeid="{b4430d68-966b-437e-8583-f0e79fba62dc}{18}" paraid="540243458" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">O</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">verall, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">those 4 months in Wales were </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">momentous,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> and I will cherish</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> my experience</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> for the rest of my life. I proved to myself that</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> the</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> illnesses I suffered from </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">don't</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> control me anymore, and I can </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">accomplish</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">great things</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> that matter to me. For anyone </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">desiri</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ng</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> to study abroad, but </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">you're</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> suffering from mental illness, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">I'd</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> say go for it. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Don't</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> do it just to prove to others you can; do it to prove to yourself. With support, planning, patience, and tenacity, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">it's</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> completely possible. Take it one step at a time.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW5711578 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); clear: both; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: start; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW5711578 BCX4" paraeid="{b4430d68-966b-437e-8583-f0e79fba62dc}{38}" paraid="1900215148" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="TextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" data-contrast="auto" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">That’s</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> it from me. I hope you enjoyed my post and feel ready for your big step into this big, blue, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">ever-changing world. One last thing</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW5711578 BCX4" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> my one tip to those also going to the U.K: do not, under any circumstance, eat Cadbury cream eggs.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW5711578 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW5711578 BCX4" paraeid="{b4430d68-966b-437e-8583-f0e79fba62dc}{38}" paraid="1900215148" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl2n-xOAA5C9ad-jpJdeFevUL3aFyGuro7P8KXdS3x2yIJumo_q6saNvarHBAIkEIFgpEiEPA8vnWiO9eW_dNh8uovZYScVbMY4YTmNs9PsxPQoQ9r_OAuHQ1O4KiOULLyR6fYWXLwBJz4tRyM3PBZO_aFOgUf5sjdOpYM1O00IQfy4cRq23JJzO2KSnC/s3264/20230128_122933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfl2n-xOAA5C9ad-jpJdeFevUL3aFyGuro7P8KXdS3x2yIJumo_q6saNvarHBAIkEIFgpEiEPA8vnWiO9eW_dNh8uovZYScVbMY4YTmNs9PsxPQoQ9r_OAuHQ1O4KiOULLyR6fYWXLwBJz4tRyM3PBZO_aFOgUf5sjdOpYM1O00IQfy4cRq23JJzO2KSnC/s320/20230128_122933.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8m5GZLF3HwjeNMVkAyHaj_Mf1hFC6-EO3-agOuuMGYyvyADI00VJqdZFx1zHe5iDlt8qtxdyMPz7r-8IPUna_UQ9B5S1QAFvezD1F9BTM2ATA233LhkvbTqIl-QppZR0WYaQ0wx9TycahthKHjnpj0dDbrABRSKGaEZMtRvKiLCmD0pRHJbqRa8keHtfk/s3264/20230415_183727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8m5GZLF3HwjeNMVkAyHaj_Mf1hFC6-EO3-agOuuMGYyvyADI00VJqdZFx1zHe5iDlt8qtxdyMPz7r-8IPUna_UQ9B5S1QAFvezD1F9BTM2ATA233LhkvbTqIl-QppZR0WYaQ0wx9TycahthKHjnpj0dDbrABRSKGaEZMtRvKiLCmD0pRHJbqRa8keHtfk/s320/20230415_183727.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAIEKhHAYuHD-bo2etVcoETs66nzX6pcq0HVi_lXL1J-CmcJSDhW6pXJA5AGKvt68oz5XWUxsEhoa_P0bDUlD0nIHUmPX-qdhMrt1kPEU4tVItqifC01qSkg5qbBjWJvDMD-ish-wRBUi-GvHXQe3teXqCU8RwmmoujQ7vhwmCNTjcUZUz8KBxVbyJPsr/s4608/100_0080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; 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-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; caret-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.847); font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web", Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><span class="EOP SCXW115183857 BCX4" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="Calibri, Calibri_EmbeddedFont, Calibri_MSFontService, sans-serif" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 18.3458px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-44274976103660718752023-08-14T07:57:00.001-07:002023-08-14T07:59:03.336-07:00Rachel Tang: A Dragon in Italy<p> <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hey all! My name is Rachel Tang, I use she/her/hers pronouns, and I am a senior Social Work major minoring in Classical Studies. I had the amazing opportunity to study on the Grand Tour of Italy this summer!</span></p><div style="border: 0px; font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcEyYalcFaVwV4ZLw5rCtwLGUXJ16f_oM5FNdwY-0fTgqvwMkpWTAWCIXeFUkq3qzHpFICl5mH9P1uF5ujsP3SqI7bJhis_tf1BuBhj3U4WdbJ7kDZeecekpiwvOuJK7EbA1b1Hc9I5IaUnOweB4NMUW_Lo9zE8zlo0dQVzkUMkW-0ubRJifvxm9XpayQ/s2016/20230718_050908-c1f4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcEyYalcFaVwV4ZLw5rCtwLGUXJ16f_oM5FNdwY-0fTgqvwMkpWTAWCIXeFUkq3qzHpFICl5mH9P1uF5ujsP3SqI7bJhis_tf1BuBhj3U4WdbJ7kDZeecekpiwvOuJK7EbA1b1Hc9I5IaUnOweB4NMUW_Lo9zE8zlo0dQVzkUMkW-0ubRJifvxm9XpayQ/s320/20230718_050908-c1f4.jpg" width="240" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OTWi-FhUKCuJHm9NKl45V_uU5rdWbpqv0khbF8VfazVbrcu_YA2Z9fZpxtCIwkV0YxcPGUSx8pJ8GLw1b0H8FANUWArjyrxeTO6ep8WKJKPslIAwyIonpg9wGf5LalwzR4zL5FXJSwvFxZspgBeR4H4EmKUaQKfuHJto8MNCtpng9aEIaPc20bi_eYlh/s2016/20230705_223857-544d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OTWi-FhUKCuJHm9NKl45V_uU5rdWbpqv0khbF8VfazVbrcu_YA2Z9fZpxtCIwkV0YxcPGUSx8pJ8GLw1b0H8FANUWArjyrxeTO6ep8WKJKPslIAwyIonpg9wGf5LalwzR4zL5FXJSwvFxZspgBeR4H4EmKUaQKfuHJto8MNCtpng9aEIaPc20bi_eYlh/s320/20230705_223857-544d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>Our first stop on the Grand Tour of Italy was a three-night stay in Milan, where we visited the Teatro alla Scala opera house museum, Verdi’s Macbeth opera, climbed the Duomo di Milano and saw the city from the roof, and ate lots of gelato.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>After this, we took a train from Milan to Padua, a small university town. With only two nights in Padua, we took a silent nature walk, explored the town, saw Giotto’s artwork in the Scrovegni Chapel, and visited Saint Anthony’s Basilica and the Duomo di Padova. One of my favorite things that we did in Padua was touring the historical University of Padua, which was the second-ever European university, of which Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia graduated as the first-ever woman graduate of a university.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>UNCG’s Green Fund grant allowed us to ride Il Burchiello, a boat that took us from Padua to Venice on a day-long ride, with multiple stops at large summer villas. During our two nights in Venice, we ate a huge seafood meal, saw Saint Mark’s marble cathedral, rode many water buses, visited glass and leather shops, saw the Jewish ghetto, and watched Wagner’s Flying Dutchman at Teatro La Fenice.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>Next, we took a train from Venice to Bologna, where we spent the majority of our trip. Here, we visited the University of Bologna, Europe’s first university, explored the International Museum and Library of Music, and ate traditional Bolognese food.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>In Rovereto (an Italian tourist town in the Dolomites), we visited the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Trento and Rovereto, took a bus to Riva del Garda, a lake in the mountains with rocky beaches, and a bus to Trento, where we hiked through a vineyard and up part of a mountain to Castel Beseno, a medieval fortress that we explored for many hours.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>After this, we came back to Bologna and took many day trips to cities such as Rimini (beach day), Florence (half-solo day), and Ravenna (beautiful traditional tile mosaics all over the walls, ceilings, and floors).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6OAIPeyX8Dhnt-HTqHxNkwsK1LNPOv9rFZ87N8gezNTtnClg3LuaI4thTkE81pQvIihnMtKNLjiqeSxkHl4PkVusNqtCp4PQMxo5kZBNMO2vqcDLqkO8mU9nxLfDqAKw_Uj7kwciUHcBLoRMlzYt1Nu4fqHjDSnLpyQgUcUWuHfy75pSNnwOhEH_gG_N/s2016/20230618_224436-99d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6OAIPeyX8Dhnt-HTqHxNkwsK1LNPOv9rFZ87N8gezNTtnClg3LuaI4thTkE81pQvIihnMtKNLjiqeSxkHl4PkVusNqtCp4PQMxo5kZBNMO2vqcDLqkO8mU9nxLfDqAKw_Uj7kwciUHcBLoRMlzYt1Nu4fqHjDSnLpyQgUcUWuHfy75pSNnwOhEH_gG_N/s320/20230618_224436-99d5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>On our last day-trip from Bologna, we were given an assignment to travel to a city (alone) that we were not already visiting on the trip. I decided to travel to Genoa, and my train left at 6 am with my return train getting back to Bologna at 9:30 pm, so I had from about 10 am to 5 pm to explore Genoa. I booked a ticket to Castello d’Albertis and the Museum of World Cultures housed inside the castle, spent the morning there, then ate lunch in the castle courtyard while admiring the beautiful view. Next, I went to the Royal Palace Museum, which had some amazing artwork and more beautiful views. My last stop was Villa del Principe, where I spent lots of time, taking my time going through the exhibits and wandering through the expansive garden.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>After Bologna, we spent four nights in a multi-family home in Naples, right in the middle of Centro Storico, Naples’ historical center. We went to the Naples National Archeological Museum, saw La Boheme in Teatro San Carlo, and took day trips to Pompeii and Herculaneum.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>From Naples, we went to Rome, where we spent the last seven nights of our trip. Since Rome has such a rich history, we spent these last days packing in as many historical sites as possible. To combat the extreme heat, we got up early every day and spent the morning exploring, then dispersed after lunch. During our time in Rome, we saw Palazzo Valentini, the Colosseum, Senator’s Hill, Pantheon, Michelangelo’s steps, Circus Maximus, Roman Forum, Caesar’s potential death site, Spanish steps, Trevi fountain, Aventine Hill, Roman Catacombs, St. Peter’s Basilica, Baths of Caracalla, Pope Francis’ church, Saint Cecilia’s Basilica, and a fourth-century church.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>The focuses of this trip were sustainability, Slow Food dining, music history, Italian culture, and independent travel. The sustainability and Slow Food topics helped me understand more about how what we eat affects the world we live in, and how sitting down to enjoy a long meal without hurrying helps you appreciate not only your food but the culture. I enjoyed the operas we had the chance to see, and I loved that at two of the opera houses, we visited ahead of time to view the opera house museums. I also loved that while we did visit some highly-touristed areas, most of the time, our professors opted to take us to “off the beaten path” restaurants and locations. Our professors both spoke fluent Italian, so in many places we went, they would converse with the owners in their native language. Experiencing Italy as a tourist, but through the guidance of people who were already so embedded in Italian culture was such a valuable experience. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NMjbJk6JLlNe04-LITv0x0P7MPP4xX_Zm5QdiULUyI8qWjXm4xoecoLPAqFDSwNnMPBPZD5SYsjMOWgSe4P6zOeCMl1mRuqvIGcGjOhlQXC4VjxJgOWTfmC_3efzI6Aa8RQvEaqE6f_rvRy019G_bzRWHkCjIxi7dWtSgCBkVDz_pS1GATNopmU023me/s2016/20230623_085903-8041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NMjbJk6JLlNe04-LITv0x0P7MPP4xX_Zm5QdiULUyI8qWjXm4xoecoLPAqFDSwNnMPBPZD5SYsjMOWgSe4P6zOeCMl1mRuqvIGcGjOhlQXC4VjxJgOWTfmC_3efzI6Aa8RQvEaqE6f_rvRy019G_bzRWHkCjIxi7dWtSgCBkVDz_pS1GATNopmU023me/w294-h221/20230623_085903-8041.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiawEQzLZBQQyv95UfBLHbcOzlewcYrnWY1rOvrgCECLDBGUnmdp02k0sXEAWjKHwzg_rSxHPkmBah2MH_Bhniq4DUG7UcBVVpm7hob_y2LBajLPnHFOUnNr3tKefVikwxkgPATTnGHiai80ebwK3PeWWQEu89EVhioXKGU5-Hm5TUXML-eMXEgvDT1-c/s2016/20230623_085903-fa3f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkiawEQzLZBQQyv95UfBLHbcOzlewcYrnWY1rOvrgCECLDBGUnmdp02k0sXEAWjKHwzg_rSxHPkmBah2MH_Bhniq4DUG7UcBVVpm7hob_y2LBajLPnHFOUnNr3tKefVikwxkgPATTnGHiai80ebwK3PeWWQEu89EVhioXKGU5-Hm5TUXML-eMXEgvDT1-c/s320/20230623_085903-fa3f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>Through the Grand Tour of Italy, our professors gave us many chances to grow as independent travelers. The most valuable experience I had on this trip was my day trip to Genoa; I was extremely nervous at the start of the day, but I had so much fun exploring on my own, and by the end of the day, I felt accomplished and satisfied. The independent travel day, combined with booking our own flights and having many free days and nights, allowed us to grow as individuals and travelers, and in our global awareness.</div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></div><div style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span>My advice for anyone starting to consider studying abroad is to figure out what factors are important to you at the start of your search. Once you decide on a trip, get yourself excited! Know what learning outcomes your professors have for you, or that you have for yourself, and be prepared to become a more independent and culturally aware individual.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNFRmrOdD8xplgPf3-iWZw8dOJKeCAGmHlh_NcRh1LvE0GT8Vp-4TNuPmLRBFuD9IM6-WUO3jLMPRdptufk4GsMaJeaxQ2uDOEUw20rSMWchL4edoPVZ36TNc0l-cmW7Ky7FnG07q25y6UY6cjywlZoT7EQ82WEqOU_5TrBSHkaNHs2fv20wUrgOb1yf_/s4000/20230705_110300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNFRmrOdD8xplgPf3-iWZw8dOJKeCAGmHlh_NcRh1LvE0GT8Vp-4TNuPmLRBFuD9IM6-WUO3jLMPRdptufk4GsMaJeaxQ2uDOEUw20rSMWchL4edoPVZ36TNc0l-cmW7Ky7FnG07q25y6UY6cjywlZoT7EQ82WEqOU_5TrBSHkaNHs2fv20wUrgOb1yf_/s320/20230705_110300.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-31197368433750371972023-03-14T05:10:00.000-07:002023-03-14T05:10:17.812-07:00Natalia Fagundez takes over Granada, Spain!<p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My name is Natalia Fagundez and I am currently a sophomore at UNC Greensboro! I am studying special education with a concentration in Spanish education, and a minor in American Sign Language. I am a part of UNCG Teaching Fellows, Reynolds Scholars, and I am completing international and disciplinary honors! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome to my study abroad journey!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am currently completing the ISA Granada, Spain program for the spring 2023 semester. I have been in Granada for approximately a month now, and it has been such an amazing experience. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I flew into Madrid on January 20th and from there spent two days in Madrid, one in Toledo, and then made my way to Granada to meet my host family!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As for my housing, I chose to live with a host family because I wanted to feel truly immersed in Spanish culture and live in a Spanish household. I live with my host mother and 2 other students from the U.S. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I spent the following days learning routes to get to school, discovering panaderias, and learning about the city! I then took a placement test to decide my Spanish level, and classes started on February 1st! I decided to finish my concentration here in Spain so I am taking all Spanish courses including: literature from the 19th century to present, contemporary Spain in the media, grammar, and an oral/writing course! The class sizes are relatively smaller than American classes, ranging from 10-20 students. Grades are on a ten point scale, with students needing a five or higher to pass the course. Since I am taking Spanish learning courses, all the students in my classes are non-native speakers. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Through ISA, I have been able to see tours of local cathedrals and visit places like Sevilla and Cordoba! It is about 40 students from the U.S. and it has provided me with a great community to rely on. Classes have been relatively easy and have little homework. Professors focus a lot on engaging with students and making connections to Spanish culture. I have also been able to travel to other places within Spain and plan on flying to places like London and Portugal! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Overall, this experience so far has been extremely exciting and I have felt so much support from the ISA staff, UNCG study abroad office, and the honors faculty while abroad. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiARCdRI6wioFXkVI2IVo-f1SaLFC_3vOupSMbCeNsaoorCqKaqbVZnqgsQEylm7LYgs_xt4SBlZtaGrDc1E3_pBxI81OhFNM_WhjnP6YLi1i2-L0pDfHuZiiUDY3n6E1rVAos4qqxDb_9xItjKzgcV_-ic7zMPwkHgvN2wq20QJER2udWvxQglGdZXsw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiARCdRI6wioFXkVI2IVo-f1SaLFC_3vOupSMbCeNsaoorCqKaqbVZnqgsQEylm7LYgs_xt4SBlZtaGrDc1E3_pBxI81OhFNM_WhjnP6YLi1i2-L0pDfHuZiiUDY3n6E1rVAos4qqxDb_9xItjKzgcV_-ic7zMPwkHgvN2wq20QJER2udWvxQglGdZXsw=w150-h200" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVklxXtJIuLzsTcI1Hnwy6-dV6wyjrjxs8FsxGGW3fonBxvNZy-k98ZxvD43GWZfVMbmwA8lrrSixqordjDJDYnRthSZuWbw_PXAZVPTL9MXZ4GNAGzk8_E3LQx9DQTjUmW0gFAsOD7Ebp8FKXrIufGbkHZQrK1LzF6_pzrEkWzqnL5daukqsJDds7iQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVklxXtJIuLzsTcI1Hnwy6-dV6wyjrjxs8FsxGGW3fonBxvNZy-k98ZxvD43GWZfVMbmwA8lrrSixqordjDJDYnRthSZuWbw_PXAZVPTL9MXZ4GNAGzk8_E3LQx9DQTjUmW0gFAsOD7Ebp8FKXrIufGbkHZQrK1LzF6_pzrEkWzqnL5daukqsJDds7iQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p></p>Honors Assistanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247834043272411905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-32307409646998651862023-01-10T05:05:00.000-08:002023-01-10T05:05:21.902-08:00Anna in the United Kingdom<p> <span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hi, everyone! I’m Anna, and I’m an International Honors student studying Marketing and Peace & Conflict Studies. Currently, I’m studying abroad at the University of Hull in Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom as a full-year exchange student in the Business, Law, and Politics program. To find Hull on a map, find London and go straight up until you hit that little river. </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is where I’m living for the next year. I arrived at Hull in the middle of September and am leaving sometime in June.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-0471dc18-7fff-f658-4615-d4b20f664ab8"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I was looking at countries to study abroad in, I narrowed it down to a few options: the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France. I came up with a list of non-negotiables and started researching universities. My research (plus the COVID restrictions) lead me to the United Kingdom. For a while, I was back and forth between Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Hull. But after a deep dive into the culture, the programs, and the campus, University of Hull resonated with me.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the main reasons I chose the United Kingdom, quite frankly, was because they primarily speak English here. And although I did finish four levels of French, I’m not confident in my ability to learn well in a French-speaking classroom. Another reason - probably the most important reason - is London being considered the financial capital of the world. I’m not a finance major, but finance heavily plays into marketing. Being around the action was important to me.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had three main struggles when I arrived in the United Kingdom, some continuing even now.</span></p><br /><ol style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Missing important events with my family and friends. It sucks having to go to lectures on Thanksgiving knowing that your family is having a delicious meal without you. Missing birthdays, graduations, sporting events, and even little things like getting coffee with your friends is difficult and it starts to add up. As you get more acclimated to your new life and new surroundings, it gets easier. But I don’t know if it ever truly goes away.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Leaving your friends and having to make new ones, knowing you’re going to end up leaving. When I came to the UK, I already had a set group of friends that I frequently hung out with and relied on for advice. Now, my friends and I are on completely different schedules. Not only am I five hours ahead, but our breaks don’t line up, we’ve got different jobs and obligations, and it gets hard to find times to FaceTime. Don’t get me wrong - we’re still friends. But I had to find new people to hang out with. Except there’s a part of you that knows you’re going to end up leaving in a short amount of time and you’ll be facing the same problems all over again. It’s truly a double-edged sword. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Public transportation. I have ridden on maybe two trains and a bus in my life, so having to rely solely on public transportation (especially being alone in a new country in a strange city with a giant suitcase) was very stressful. However, once you get the hang of it and you know the right apps to download, it’s pretty manageable.</span></p></li></ol><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But not all of it is bad. There’s a lot of beauty in studying abroad, even in the little things. I’ve done a </span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lot</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of traveling since moving to the United Kingdom, with plans to do a lot more. I’ve made new friends and joined a society (which is essentially a club), I’ve connected with my professors, and I’ve answered a lot of random questions about the United States. My favorite memories range from touching the water of the Øresund Sea to collecting British candy for my brother to seeing the Scottish Highlands.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My best advice to anybody going abroad is to embrace it and remember that this is what you’ve worked for and where you wanted to be. It’s terrifying, moving abroad and being on your own to discover the world. But I’m currently writing this in a random café I stumbled upon in London and I’m realizing that freshman year Anna would be in absolute awe of me now. My second best piece of advice would be to remember that there’s no such thing as too many pictures, and make sure you’re in some of them. The experience you’ll be having is once in a lifetime, and you’re going to want to freeze it in a memory and hold on to it forever. Ignore the people giving you weird looks - you’re living your absolute best life.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are planning to go abroad, good luck and I hope you enjoy it more than you could’ve ever imagined. And remember - you from freshman year would be in awe of who you’re becoming. Safe travels!</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Honors Assistanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247834043272411905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-68722477065531714442022-12-07T04:58:00.000-08:002022-12-07T04:58:08.536-08:00Teionnah in Japan<p><br /> <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">During my time abroad I have been staying in the city of Nagoya. One of the most famous places in this city and the Nagoya Castle that I got to go to it multiple times and sometimes for free during the holiday season. I have always been a fan of these types of places and I generally take any chance to see these beautiful castles. Japan has many beautiful places too and for me, as an international student, it has been pretty easy to get around even though I'm a beginner at Japanese. If you don't know the language like me a lot of the places had provided me with English-speaking menus and on the trains, they have the English meaning on them to make things simpler. But if you go to certain places in Kyoto it was a bit harder for me since I had to rely on using gestures or pointing at pictures and using random Japanese words. Having to do this all the time was a bit frustrating and hard for me to get used to because communication was hard, but once I started to live with her for a while and started to understand how things worked more, with getting a better grip on the language. Everything started to feel more rewarding, even seeing the sights I enjoy because I could understand the language and the culture more the longer I've been here.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wB20hhrljDrZlzzGarMGCaUXeUZAj6-8KxbgeM2g22_XXo3oGH1AuLzI4f1oQWtY_U7ercqgBwRXh04i8ZsQ4gTIC9598QFzRd0LG7-L3B-0UC8UX9Mr1w_Nx5kBen-6kD_OoHVPsX8XwWZ01v0OzBdVj54e2HBcAw8vQWPDZ9LYn6M94A-so640LQ/s4032/20221008_114311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wB20hhrljDrZlzzGarMGCaUXeUZAj6-8KxbgeM2g22_XXo3oGH1AuLzI4f1oQWtY_U7ercqgBwRXh04i8ZsQ4gTIC9598QFzRd0LG7-L3B-0UC8UX9Mr1w_Nx5kBen-6kD_OoHVPsX8XwWZ01v0OzBdVj54e2HBcAw8vQWPDZ9LYn6M94A-so640LQ/s320/20221008_114311.jpg" width="151" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt-N0tckc9ZN-4XekMFnPEnypSD3tOt2TABHqsgR53bsiG9AL9k9ScYpMHV_3w0zGuelgg1e3vzkg7RTBByvxJmkvKn85r45CjQT3KmMVop_CLDyGhDhnG65Wqvx3dsxUBV89tCraYJ6pFYpTfhOWEC5vLWmCPd1zuFLUTworptBj7b2sdEhfQn0miQ/s4032/20221126_133020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1908" data-original-width="4032" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt-N0tckc9ZN-4XekMFnPEnypSD3tOt2TABHqsgR53bsiG9AL9k9ScYpMHV_3w0zGuelgg1e3vzkg7RTBByvxJmkvKn85r45CjQT3KmMVop_CLDyGhDhnG65Wqvx3dsxUBV89tCraYJ6pFYpTfhOWEC5vLWmCPd1zuFLUTworptBj7b2sdEhfQn0miQ/s320/20221126_133020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4ejiQJ8WKuJtVCVb-GxQLPEc-5jsY5ujLMj6OxZ6gLvCCbB_PiSULonM8zxfpH4X9n19EL0_ueUYTVgnPlJGttNR2MawYKcrQZxhszFSC3TOxYSboFsfKRDo2j7rz3HlsYPfUOdV0k9swpdI3whF5Xvqi0rRaNVNLys6zren951uba8NDzAekQNxjw/s1478/1662127138499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1478" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4ejiQJ8WKuJtVCVb-GxQLPEc-5jsY5ujLMj6OxZ6gLvCCbB_PiSULonM8zxfpH4X9n19EL0_ueUYTVgnPlJGttNR2MawYKcrQZxhszFSC3TOxYSboFsfKRDo2j7rz3HlsYPfUOdV0k9swpdI3whF5Xvqi0rRaNVNLys6zren951uba8NDzAekQNxjw/s320/1662127138499.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>Honors Assistanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11247834043272411905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-46886944257522672892021-10-28T06:01:00.003-07:002021-10-28T06:13:21.873-07:00Taylor Collaborates with ABROADER in Vietnam<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3d396ff2-7fff-ae1f-edec-f64a3ef221a4"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello! My name is Taylor Urban, and I am a 20-year-old full university honors student majoring in School Social Work with minors in American Sign Language, Human Development and Family Studies, and Political Science. In Spring 2021, I received the Gilman Scholarship to fund my study abroad program where I was originally supposed to go to London during the summer. This pandemic had other ideas and caused my program to get cancelled. I panicked and did not know what to do since I could not go abroad anymore. I spoke to the Study Abroad office and learned about ISA and their remote study abroad internships and I have never been more grateful for things being virtual. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9q39c_PEKsZFUuTPoygK9VQr1Gpq2-ChRPe-9N5vkpfAsCodirPj8Pca1B7d-cHeIfsJXwusEWW-RwdhYLAlMfdf9CPjelYW6_lFb8Lx6Z_u7nLXfRHPuxpG6QAXfTQdU4CalooW5rf5-ADJJyi13RBAWBDhnHVLcv4OAGMpYlgIphCBpB9eKhup-WA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Taylor and Iroh the Dragon of the West" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9q39c_PEKsZFUuTPoygK9VQr1Gpq2-ChRPe-9N5vkpfAsCodirPj8Pca1B7d-cHeIfsJXwusEWW-RwdhYLAlMfdf9CPjelYW6_lFb8Lx6Z_u7nLXfRHPuxpG6QAXfTQdU4CalooW5rf5-ADJJyi13RBAWBDhnHVLcv4OAGMpYlgIphCBpB9eKhup-WA=w300-h400" title="Taylor and Iroh the Dragon of the West" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taylor and Iroh the Dragon of the West</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2bea640a-7fff-e308-852f-0467bb6e692e"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During Summer 2021, I had the pleasure of working with ABROADER in Vietnam and being placed at EVTrust as a lead English Teacher. Even though we had an 11-hour time difference, I still felt so connected to my coworkers, the students, and the local buddies that were with ABROADER. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My internship was 9-11 am Monday-Friday and I taught 2, 45 minute long, beginner English classes to children from low-income families and I was able to make my own lesson plans. Every Tuesday and Thursday, we had feedback sessions and every other week during the 8-week internship, we had cultural exchange sessions with the local buddies through ABROADER. I was put into group chats on WhatsApp so I could talk to local buddies, the TAs and supervisors at my internship, and then one for my specific TAs for my class. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each week was a different theme for my classes. One week was school, another was transportation, and so on and so forth. The goal of these classes was to teach the students to be able to get around an English-speaking country in the event of them needing to leave their country or if they decide to study abroad themselves. Every day I would share a fun fact about North Carolina, like how Cheerwine and Pepsi were made here, and even told the story of the Lost Colony. The students especially loved how North Carolina has both mountains and the beach. The TAs were there to help with things that the students did not understand and would translate what I was saying to help the students understand since they all varied in levels of English. </span></p></span></div></blockquote></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGqiHWApq4ArUV-X8Q4RpBLFXvZpzMVjIZgso8R7sIlWsYOke3aZE0zoWSOZ7mTTlmp5q2NXVcKIyXEzQ__pCsxIZ-jvBg7gPBOb3dvddsEt-0kYKlpPXvrC8oYKFjqm786UNffHMaLyW1r1vAUV1SlwblN3YxSQQe6aRSmgCM16C-j4Djgm7SMT_WKA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A photo collage of students from Taylor's class with a red stuffed dragon on the side" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGqiHWApq4ArUV-X8Q4RpBLFXvZpzMVjIZgso8R7sIlWsYOke3aZE0zoWSOZ7mTTlmp5q2NXVcKIyXEzQ__pCsxIZ-jvBg7gPBOb3dvddsEt-0kYKlpPXvrC8oYKFjqm786UNffHMaLyW1r1vAUV1SlwblN3YxSQQe6aRSmgCM16C-j4Djgm7SMT_WKA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Miss Taylor's English Class</span></div><b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5496ca5c-7fff-4559-3472-ede07530bb16"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every other week the local buddies would have cultural exchange sessions with all of the interns from various remote placements in Vietnam for us to chat about the differences between the countries we are from, we had people from Vietnam, various parts of the United States, Germany, Finland, Switzerland, and France. We talked about work culture, business, food, music, and then different topics like social media and television when we were in breakout rooms. The last session was a farewell where the local buddies sang “You Got a Friend in Me” and we were all crying and laughing together. They did such a great job supporting us and sharing video tours of Vietnam, markets, and even doing a cooking show for us. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_ep7zjuR3vE1MTttluQXh-4f4Cu83s_W0wzSocwLSBJ7DAKiplauxHidjdVzFh4xQVCk1q12SF-VSEJu48h8nJVVcpP-keVRrU8MMRW6UoCyf8-P4b7WBWg0G3NQR8X6FI9BHYQLSwjrf0RasvdytFpZSMCgGDDb9i9_iFHG4Zhrv4pkZCzOzRgSubA=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A photo collage with students from Taylor's class" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_ep7zjuR3vE1MTttluQXh-4f4Cu83s_W0wzSocwLSBJ7DAKiplauxHidjdVzFh4xQVCk1q12SF-VSEJu48h8nJVVcpP-keVRrU8MMRW6UoCyf8-P4b7WBWg0G3NQR8X6FI9BHYQLSwjrf0RasvdytFpZSMCgGDDb9i9_iFHG4Zhrv4pkZCzOzRgSubA=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Local Buddies Farewell</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3264917e-7fff-638e-c7e6-7dd0a54976c2"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Throughout my time with EVTrust and ABROADER, I made a few long-lasting friends with another one of the intern lead teachers from Ohio and one of my TAs from Vietnam who is in university in Hungary. I still talk to them from time to time, but I am super grateful that this remote program led to me meeting them. At the end of my internship, I was offered a full-time job with EVTrust as a lead English teacher that I sadly had to decline but was told to let them know if I ever have time to teach again. I hope to go to Vietnam to work with them in person in the future until then I hope to teach virtually so I can see the students and find out how they are doing. I am so thankful to ISA, ABROADER, Gilman, IPC/Study Abroad, the Honors College, and EVTrust for this amazing opportunity this past summer. </span></p><div><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-89570480301003640172020-04-20T09:27:00.002-07:002020-04-20T09:27:45.367-07:00Austin Takes Malta!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello! My name is Austin Rowland and I am a 20 year old full-honors student majoring in Arts Administration with a minor in Drama. In Spring 2020, I had the incredible opportunity to go abroad to Malta with the LIHC program. Although my time in Malta was cut short after a month due to COVID-19, my month there was incredibly eventful. Not only were the students supportive and kind of my situation and culture, there was not a single resident that I met that did not give kindness to me as I made my way around Malta. The biggest aspect of being abroad that frightened me was the acceptance of the Maltese- a problem by which I never discovered at all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While in Malta, I took 2 theatre study units while also having a dual-enrollment in two online courses at UNCG. This was very manageable, and worked out to where I only had to go to campus one day a week, and the other 6 days of the week could be spent exploring! I resided in a Hotel which serves students “dorm style”. My room was cleaned for me, there was breakfast served here, and there was a swimming pool. The area was very quiet and calm, and I did not once worry about my safety or have to deal with noise or theft. I also did not have a roommate, so it was nice and secluded. My classes were full of students who understood me, supported me, and wanted to get to know me. That is just simply their nature. Kindness. We went out constantly, whether it be restaurants, or Malta’s capital city, Valletta.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I missed America as soon as I stepped onto the plane. In fact, my first question when I arrived at my residence was: “where is the nearest McDonald’s?”. There was luckily one in walking distance from where I was standing. However, as I discovered the amazing locally cooked pasta, squid, rabbit, and other endeavors- McDonald’s was a joke. I was also lucky to be in walking distance of the nearest LIDL, making grocery shopping effective, quick, and fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The highlight of my trip was taking the Game of Thrones filming tour. I am a die-hard Game of Thrones fan and the film tour did not disappoint! </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Primarily, the film tour covered "Game of Thrones", but also covered other media such as "World War Z", "Popeye", "Gladiator" and "Helen of Troy". I saw almost everything that went into filming Season One of the HBO award-winning show, and my tour guide was a crew member who worked on the show himself! The tour lasted all day, and took me around almost the entire island. I got to see where Cersei Lannister muttered the title line “When you play the Game Of Thrones, you win, or you die.”</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmQWiYdWmIQ/Xp3K-emqdmI/AAAAAAAABtM/Wmhzhnm53sAaWe81IB3L5fDzCrFEOo_bwCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqxpUFweO6cCwmi8nqYa73MVY5BCSGXQTr648xKYnsjFX-k0pbFPMEpMROVGyLSiuQfdExFnrxn9hq36AxeU0riNNoSw2Tr7naOULQju16euZOBc2FJu-_Wl-gYKs7OAbLfZw4i-7YtPelX1bW_JFE9rNGBwcWPNHKGBLHjf8BNRZs_r-tPj68pVG8a6MFxfs565qFvGNVhMxDGZOcHGS8cH244H8gCAyHD8E6z56cn0IculPc7mCS4GOqFrbyI0zLczYRYQjgidpAEJ4UigkWfX3s1y_7XXDft70BB5r-5Ppm6tjP0XfBToFspOxSve7vufhUbwdlpfxgls3rM2c5MZ3JPG8NV9LOxhYhnx7n6n0l0YSBe1sj2vxpzYLKFjsRjM_EFXJIVyj3CoEIa5lxBJDIsKxvj9W58b3ZKDHygKfAXJvLA6awtnetRNj1yVA146hjphJeistcPCdYEiJulI2xw1gOGHzteS5iuZlroz1ysWjlEDdzsrk1cJd-UJ1sB3z4y2Qz40xYnkHcOrwWeUcuzYs13ZsmyDAetcM21ZqDBsfIqOpygD8KJLsI5cG3hBuOABgqMejtbUXrhm9Hkb9Q9PrAH-Tz4w7Zr39AU/s1600/GoT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmQWiYdWmIQ/Xp3K-emqdmI/AAAAAAAABtM/Wmhzhnm53sAaWe81IB3L5fDzCrFEOo_bwCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqxpUFweO6cCwmi8nqYa73MVY5BCSGXQTr648xKYnsjFX-k0pbFPMEpMROVGyLSiuQfdExFnrxn9hq36AxeU0riNNoSw2Tr7naOULQju16euZOBc2FJu-_Wl-gYKs7OAbLfZw4i-7YtPelX1bW_JFE9rNGBwcWPNHKGBLHjf8BNRZs_r-tPj68pVG8a6MFxfs565qFvGNVhMxDGZOcHGS8cH244H8gCAyHD8E6z56cn0IculPc7mCS4GOqFrbyI0zLczYRYQjgidpAEJ4UigkWfX3s1y_7XXDft70BB5r-5Ppm6tjP0XfBToFspOxSve7vufhUbwdlpfxgls3rM2c5MZ3JPG8NV9LOxhYhnx7n6n0l0YSBe1sj2vxpzYLKFjsRjM_EFXJIVyj3CoEIa5lxBJDIsKxvj9W58b3ZKDHygKfAXJvLA6awtnetRNj1yVA146hjphJeistcPCdYEiJulI2xw1gOGHzteS5iuZlroz1ysWjlEDdzsrk1cJd-UJ1sB3z4y2Qz40xYnkHcOrwWeUcuzYs13ZsmyDAetcM21ZqDBsfIqOpygD8KJLsI5cG3hBuOABgqMejtbUXrhm9Hkb9Q9PrAH-Tz4w7Zr39AU/s640/GoT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">You Win or You Die! (Game Of Thrones Tour)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />I also got to see the amazing cliff dwelling by which Daeynerys gave birth to her dragons in the Season One finale. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FChh8nOX_d0/XpohIirqaYI/AAAAAAAABsg/IHlvJH-mlUwbyzKbCRwL_eY5uHAVXLIsQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqxHobB2x6WQlIrb9MOiUr8Bvq4s8_5Ycla8W7cz9U64oDZ5bprnHfv7Heu5FaRCbZW77mgbQU7Bih0yCqsNJ2AlZFQeJvWqEgy9a0PzqXdVbjPRsEGOO_9_YBL9O5IltfzkfP6Bt6g0JzVpjm6ixDLgzpfrUIxa-lJ-Eb-oiVBXAmvvRVhohD48PDwYBNrzW_G48p91C-TJnv0LVYq6_elzzmeJz3sEm5NwdOYfH97C1QXCFFQXAmfKIZnZ-HRKb-iopIUonMyVKxHD-N18Lp_3-bbMzNYyacdchtxBbZnY4tbo3jZw79Dvl5MPTzKo-9PSHWebukc8Rwny65c5L1CMafLFNREkj5gwMFbKxnvKnWnOZlht94f0ysjfKnywm5ViM_dA861cyLDVF4tlKtshCj-xSLnG8fu_T0TpseclWpegCOJpfkATpMiSxMUm_O3UYz-wyYKbSJSq_HMcrx_eZ3LWrb50m72WTpbqqxU6KHChNNCjp-_snc6U-6_gvBQiijwDK8ew4k3TbqJHs2fHyIsRa3yWrndmYr_EF-hU23h5f2KI_VhEg1Jyj-DKOx8oWZBn86XZNkaAd2JjCpy6Dq8uoj9TlVgw5ZX39AU/s1600/daya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FChh8nOX_d0/XpohIirqaYI/AAAAAAAABsg/IHlvJH-mlUwbyzKbCRwL_eY5uHAVXLIsQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1OcqxHobB2x6WQlIrb9MOiUr8Bvq4s8_5Ycla8W7cz9U64oDZ5bprnHfv7Heu5FaRCbZW77mgbQU7Bih0yCqsNJ2AlZFQeJvWqEgy9a0PzqXdVbjPRsEGOO_9_YBL9O5IltfzkfP6Bt6g0JzVpjm6ixDLgzpfrUIxa-lJ-Eb-oiVBXAmvvRVhohD48PDwYBNrzW_G48p91C-TJnv0LVYq6_elzzmeJz3sEm5NwdOYfH97C1QXCFFQXAmfKIZnZ-HRKb-iopIUonMyVKxHD-N18Lp_3-bbMzNYyacdchtxBbZnY4tbo3jZw79Dvl5MPTzKo-9PSHWebukc8Rwny65c5L1CMafLFNREkj5gwMFbKxnvKnWnOZlht94f0ysjfKnywm5ViM_dA861cyLDVF4tlKtshCj-xSLnG8fu_T0TpseclWpegCOJpfkATpMiSxMUm_O3UYz-wyYKbSJSq_HMcrx_eZ3LWrb50m72WTpbqqxU6KHChNNCjp-_snc6U-6_gvBQiijwDK8ew4k3TbqJHs2fHyIsRa3yWrndmYr_EF-hU23h5f2KI_VhEg1Jyj-DKOx8oWZBn86XZNkaAd2JjCpy6Dq8uoj9TlVgw5ZX39AU/s640/daya.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Dragon Birth Scene (GoT tour)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These two scenes are probably the most iconic of the show, and all my fellow fans back home demanded to see all the photos when I returned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXe0T-nqk1Y/XpoifltfodI/AAAAAAAABsw/yiXOHZFrK0MOIvgaD6l5_MHDb0Hgz4XFQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy9H4s3kbEe-IHhuzCF6wy-VagqSpYEI9I6SsyzzKnPTSkjU2zWWif9Hrle3jrTK2upzXx78AX0rs4vZECVGj_N8Bbh3Y3Ui5-y4LzwsvQ-nMuiJcWOSLpBVZaW_DNsqs69Xv9Icels4a0BBxpjRigOu4MzSoEVFGuf-08cYsD4BaD7CWz3bcgd_LdzIN1sek6rMNtq1aECM8uwwHenwTwMDFlF7P0eS58SNNcAioMe_-4P2CLZyLGiY6f8eelb0qNxSk-kEek8v9weK4ovXRjEd9Wzcvcr14uTDBSdkVWoppms0psoHc9V8J38ZYfUPZ5C7PPMICyVZKzyoJOiRm417WHFMvaG30edBzuHi-mX2uagv38uUobUSKznRbNRyvR_79zEwFzsYPKBFO1rvS0HdnMnUuq7_xmBjhUvaszLvOxAnxYo7EC_Vb4iHBPzzDYru1EeTgtHh8LD42tJbQ3ZWDG76PYa458Pltx68_DMfpuWggUkbUkko9PUX9kzUiq0rEfruCYWg2Q_LdrpvmwNgUpRNvkYymLcKrmUnzTmwXeI8-Z-kE8LR29FIHIR19k0NLAhJ2yKarq6Ibft6dLqtQMr_Wm_1NcwjJb39AU/s1600/kings%2Blanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXe0T-nqk1Y/XpoifltfodI/AAAAAAAABsw/yiXOHZFrK0MOIvgaD6l5_MHDb0Hgz4XFQCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy9H4s3kbEe-IHhuzCF6wy-VagqSpYEI9I6SsyzzKnPTSkjU2zWWif9Hrle3jrTK2upzXx78AX0rs4vZECVGj_N8Bbh3Y3Ui5-y4LzwsvQ-nMuiJcWOSLpBVZaW_DNsqs69Xv9Icels4a0BBxpjRigOu4MzSoEVFGuf-08cYsD4BaD7CWz3bcgd_LdzIN1sek6rMNtq1aECM8uwwHenwTwMDFlF7P0eS58SNNcAioMe_-4P2CLZyLGiY6f8eelb0qNxSk-kEek8v9weK4ovXRjEd9Wzcvcr14uTDBSdkVWoppms0psoHc9V8J38ZYfUPZ5C7PPMICyVZKzyoJOiRm417WHFMvaG30edBzuHi-mX2uagv38uUobUSKznRbNRyvR_79zEwFzsYPKBFO1rvS0HdnMnUuq7_xmBjhUvaszLvOxAnxYo7EC_Vb4iHBPzzDYru1EeTgtHh8LD42tJbQ3ZWDG76PYa458Pltx68_DMfpuWggUkbUkko9PUX9kzUiq0rEfruCYWg2Q_LdrpvmwNgUpRNvkYymLcKrmUnzTmwXeI8-Z-kE8LR29FIHIR19k0NLAhJ2yKarq6Ibft6dLqtQMr_Wm_1NcwjJb39AU/s640/kings%2Blanding.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">King's Landing Gate</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The biggest disappointment about my experience being cut short was that I had planned to do so much. I had a trip to London planned on Mother’s Day weekend, birthday plans for my 21st in June with my Maltese friends, and other nights in the town which would be unforgettable. It was an emotional time as I packed up quickly, hopped into a taxi, and went home before cases of COVID-19 peaked in Malta. I speak with absolute confidence that my month there was as great as it could have been and I would change nothing. Malta is cool, calm, and collective, with people willing to include you and welcome you as their own. I hope to go back one day and reunite with the friends I had to say goodbye to so suddenly. </span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4FyzZ3ijB4/XpoijoDyWwI/AAAAAAAABs0/H4jfxi0IgA0H9ofWRcxUDRXHgrnBWEx3QCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy8Igq0SLERKZMD2xnghNWJqPdmF18AApp_mvJZK5SoHOMWAs3lzIOQeIbsd_199EMsNUw1JeU9XMiVVqqG2kPHpJttsKoseSAzyH-MqiF0obKVwab7Y7JKQ6WwWJYJr_f6zn511J-04RQasOk25tTiLAOM3iBl0LtOipKiffn6zpOJay_mdy3_F0bQU1gyJZNqs3Q5jIjDTEqeEmToiU81jg9hq9BRfitvXDiSgxJdo6Kvpy9BnMwCsFvYwpauwBHnLTX4FITBqDazsy8Gb61QfXvlsDqZGcnGwLjK1BHS6t4G4xHY8mNoM1ZzYQV9AWMPCNWwdEgHLmPadkqhMsyC8Ib4oY6mik6iCrFFFOYHTxSUB8MsNec26tK8MqCZNMLS2jcVvUsrpIMOve4MckrAsqOlPpEN0WokL9pFmVlRVjxjk6r3WNCpD1eYSEccHj7oO5eJ0M3nr_s5FoFJhIK4BN1XTbOQNWUnsH7LZSbE9WCBx1GgVnzyZaeHEV5Gj6EOoin0eHuUgjrU0MwEdl7k_woo3S53l1i7CAOvWL6bFg-3BZHHRkduVz3D4rScoBCinKR3eGqC0Znkjqfok8V9M7GSp1xxjwQwtJf39AU/s1600/popeye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4FyzZ3ijB4/XpoijoDyWwI/AAAAAAAABs0/H4jfxi0IgA0H9ofWRcxUDRXHgrnBWEx3QCEwYBhgLKs0DAL1Ocqy8Igq0SLERKZMD2xnghNWJqPdmF18AApp_mvJZK5SoHOMWAs3lzIOQeIbsd_199EMsNUw1JeU9XMiVVqqG2kPHpJttsKoseSAzyH-MqiF0obKVwab7Y7JKQ6WwWJYJr_f6zn511J-04RQasOk25tTiLAOM3iBl0LtOipKiffn6zpOJay_mdy3_F0bQU1gyJZNqs3Q5jIjDTEqeEmToiU81jg9hq9BRfitvXDiSgxJdo6Kvpy9BnMwCsFvYwpauwBHnLTX4FITBqDazsy8Gb61QfXvlsDqZGcnGwLjK1BHS6t4G4xHY8mNoM1ZzYQV9AWMPCNWwdEgHLmPadkqhMsyC8Ib4oY6mik6iCrFFFOYHTxSUB8MsNec26tK8MqCZNMLS2jcVvUsrpIMOve4MckrAsqOlPpEN0WokL9pFmVlRVjxjk6r3WNCpD1eYSEccHj7oO5eJ0M3nr_s5FoFJhIK4BN1XTbOQNWUnsH7LZSbE9WCBx1GgVnzyZaeHEV5Gj6EOoin0eHuUgjrU0MwEdl7k_woo3S53l1i7CAOvWL6bFg-3BZHHRkduVz3D4rScoBCinKR3eGqC0Znkjqfok8V9M7GSp1xxjwQwtJf39AU/s640/popeye.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Popeye Village!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-89149299665567177272020-02-04T07:16:00.000-08:002020-02-04T07:16:02.530-08:00Shaye in Spain!<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hello!
My name is Shaye Brockenborough, and I am a rising junior studying Elementary
Education. This summer, I spent five weeks studying abroad with Centro
MundoLengua at Asociación de la Prensa (ACP) in Cádiz, Spain! As I reflect on
my time in Cádiz, I cannot help but think about all the amazing opportunities
and people that I encountered along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-MB6TQ0ypo/XjmHKOIVOCI/AAAAAAAABl4/mehDS6Y5tLM_cWK9rxa9p1fMxgKjbmf8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2100.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-MB6TQ0ypo/XjmHKOIVOCI/AAAAAAAABl4/mehDS6Y5tLM_cWK9rxa9p1fMxgKjbmf8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/fullsizeoutput_2100.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; text-align: start; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px; text-align: start; text-indent: -0.25in;">Posing at Castillo de Santa Catalina</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">One
thing that I really appreciated about my trip was the support of my host family
and professors. Accents are a big distinguisher between people from Spain and
Latin America. Spaniards have very thick accents and pronounce many of their
words with a lisp. For example, they pronounce their Zs as “Th.” So, “Cádiz”
becomes “Cádith.” At first, it was difficult to understand, but my host mother
and her daughter (who lived next door), helped me by talking slower or using
hand motions. I really appreciated their patience. In class, my professor
Gloria gave us many diagrams and visuals to aid us in our learning. She had
also studied abroad in the United States, so we had a special bond with her.
Dr. Sotomayor, a professor at UNCG, required us to speak in Spanish during our
history class. It was definitely a challenge, and because many of my peers were
native speakers, the course was very fast-paced. Thankfully, Dr. Sotomayor
would always have students explain things in English or put us in small groups
to discuss the material. She also gave those who were not as advanced ample
time to talk at their own pace. Because of this, I could tell that my listening
and speaking skills grew tremendously!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJfjGJnsMMQ/XjmIRxZZ1TI/AAAAAAAABmI/k_a5dZzBJycaBGob7u5o4-6YRKzcJz09ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_22d6%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJfjGJnsMMQ/XjmIRxZZ1TI/AAAAAAAABmI/k_a5dZzBJycaBGob7u5o4-6YRKzcJz09ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/fullsizeoutput_22d6%2B%25282%2529.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My host family and roommates! Our roommate, Karen (center), was returning to Hong Kong the next day. We customized a cake from a local bakery and had an early thank you party for our host family. It was so much fun! </td></tr>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9Un1tn6udY/XjmIvIAqNzI/AAAAAAAABmU/Y_FaPtQOOpsWwtX-8gjFtM3EM0lKqMB2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R9Un1tn6udY/XjmIvIAqNzI/AAAAAAAABmU/Y_FaPtQOOpsWwtX-8gjFtM3EM0lKqMB2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8932.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Spanish Conversation professor, Gloria!</td></tr>
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</o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One
of my favorite activities in Càdiz was surfing on Playa de Victoria! I had
never surfed before, so I was extremely excited to try it. Let me tell you, it
is not as easy as it looks! I kept envisioning the movies <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Soul Surfe</i>r and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lilo and
Stitch</i>, but I spent most of my time falling off of my board and inhaling
saltwater. Even though I was not achieving my goal like I wanted to, I did not
give up. If there’s one thing my Mom has always told me, it’s “practice makes
progress.” Finally, right before we ended our session, I made a momentous trip
across the water on my knees! Surfing was hard, but it is definitely something
I would do again. I enjoyed cheering on my friends and conversing with other
surfers in Spanish. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_tZL4M5eXI/XjmGoEs5fRI/AAAAAAAABlk/I_MvG87sy5AqhPwnCx3fix1gIBDHV58sACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_tZL4M5eXI/XjmGoEs5fRI/AAAAAAAABlk/I_MvG87sy5AqhPwnCx3fix1gIBDHV58sACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_7898.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to surf on Playa de Victoria!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Not
only did I get to experience Spanish culture, but I also learned a little
French! For our free weekend, my friends and I wanted to take a day trip to
Paris. We spent days deciding on what locations we wanted to tour and where we
wanted to eat. It was going to be a jam-packed day, but we were ready! But, our
day turned out to be a lot different than we thought. As soon as we stepped out
of the airport to call an Uber, we realized that French was not as easy as it
seemed. We knew nothing, and most of the drivers that we encountered did not
know Spanish or English. So, something as simple as finding an Uber driver in a
crowded airport took at least an hour. Then, it hit me! Being in the Honors
College, I’ve learned all about the aspect of performance and play. Thinking
quickly on my feet, I remembered that the Google Translate app had a
conversation tab. It allows two people to speak in their native languages while
translating everything for all parties to understand. Using that helped my Uber
driver to take us to where we needed to be. By the time we got to our location,
it was too late to do many of the things we had planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, that didn’t stop us from having an
amazing time! We walked around the city, ate crepes, and took pictures at the
Eiffel Tower. Before we finished our pictures, my friends said, “Wait, you need
a picture with your dragon!” Elisa, a name I always used in my high school
Spanish classes, had been roaming around with me all throughout the trip. She
was a mascot for my group of friends, and we included her in many of our
pictures!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uypm7MbKW9M/XjmGZfuX-HI/AAAAAAAABlc/lCw5qj3984w97b2uU-07D5eIJUO5ctiVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8890%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uypm7MbKW9M/XjmGZfuX-HI/AAAAAAAABlc/lCw5qj3984w97b2uU-07D5eIJUO5ctiVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8890%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching Elisa in awe as she pushes the Eiffel Tower!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
time in Cádiz has allowed me to develop a stronger empathy for international
students who come to the United States. Being in another country where you are
not completely fluent in the language is hard, and I was thankful to have
people who helped me along the way. Right now, I am interning with Duke
University’s Summer Session for High School Students, where the majority of the
participants are from other countries. My experiences in Cádiz have allowed me
to better connect with my group of students, and we are able to bond over our
diverse cultures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUy8Rr6i4ys/XjmGZYsJhSI/AAAAAAAABlg/AMDw9byJCTYb3BRqsDuyfvHK2DyL3njyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/PHOTO-2019-06-14-23-05-48%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUy8Rr6i4ys/XjmGZYsJhSI/AAAAAAAABlg/AMDw9byJCTYb3BRqsDuyfvHK2DyL3njyACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/PHOTO-2019-06-14-23-05-48%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our last day in Cadiz, several of us decided to end our journey watching the sunset at Playa de Caleta. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrSIkKaQkbU/XjmInWB7hyI/AAAAAAAABmQ/PI0JDdMJ0CI_eBTSyRE3PYnu-av5MgaNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrSIkKaQkbU/XjmInWB7hyI/AAAAAAAABmQ/PI0JDdMJ0CI_eBTSyRE3PYnu-av5MgaNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0046.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Posing with Elisa and fellow Honors students (L to R): Shelby, Max, Elise, and Casey at the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />I
hope that this blog post has inspired you to look into the summer program in
Cádiz! It is a city filled with rich history and exciting opportunities. If you
have any questions or want to see more pictures and videos, feel free to follow
me on Instagram @shayebrock and check out my highlights tab “Viajes.” Hope you
all are having an exciting summer! ¡Hasta luego! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-15190765937906612402020-01-09T12:12:00.000-08:002020-01-09T12:14:22.581-08:00Laci in Uruguay!<br />
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<span lang="EN"> “¡Hola, me llamo Laci y soy de Los Estados
Unidos!” is something I say a lot here, so it felt right to start with that. My
name is Laci, my major is psychology, and I’m studying in Uruguay, a country
that I have definitely fallen in love with. When I arrived with my fellow
honors student from UNCG I was knocked off my feet from culture shock. Our
flights lasted about 24 hours, our housing was not ready when we got here, and
it was COLD! Cold in South America, who would have guessed that. The first day
here was rough, I won’t lie, but it paved the way for me to come to appreciate
everything that I would encounter in the next 5 months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN"> My first few weeks at my university were
exciting and a little overwhelming. At my orientation, I remember trying not to
fall asleep because it was so difficult to understand what the directors were
saying. I couldn’t find the library for at least a month which is sad because
my school is basically one building, but it goes to show how nervous I was to
ask where anything was. I felt like a visitor in someone else’s home. Now, I
find myself wanting to hang out in La Cantina (our cafeteria) in my free time
between classes or, something that is very common, buy a bizcocho (any sweet
pastry) and lounge in the sun on the terrace. I am excited to eat lunch with my
international friends and to practice speaking Spanish to strangers. Sometimes
I find myself striking up conversations just to speak to someone new. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GC1MRy_q2JY/XheG4AFJHoI/AAAAAAAABjU/GPblJoTtUrQ7OpOMI6lcEF0YGS-4yS63QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-6220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GC1MRy_q2JY/XheG4AFJHoI/AAAAAAAABjU/GPblJoTtUrQ7OpOMI6lcEF0YGS-4yS63QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG-6220.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My friends and I taking
in the sun at the beaches of Punta Del Este, with my dragon Chispa (spark!). </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRDqIpPBpZc/XheHEwP3SHI/AAAAAAAABjc/4KHkeVH-htAieibzP8M4EfO1FSWb4BMWACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/f911c248-9341-4323-8790-46f2f4223012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRDqIpPBpZc/XheHEwP3SHI/AAAAAAAABjc/4KHkeVH-htAieibzP8M4EfO1FSWb4BMWACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/f911c248-9341-4323-8790-46f2f4223012.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tango is a tradition
that has very deep cultural roots in Uruguay and almost everyone knows the
basic moves and rhythms of the dance. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN"><br /> Uruguay is truly a hidden gem in South America
with plenty of beautiful places to travel and wonderful people to meet. A man
asked me once, “</span><span lang="EN" style="background: white; color: #545454; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">¿</span><span lang="EN">Cómo
te gusta este paisito?” How do you like this little country? What a question.
The answer: “Me encanta todo.” I love everything. The people are very active in
fighting for social justice and want their voices to be heard. Everywhere I go
I can find posters about human/animal rights plastered on the walls of
buildings or signs promoting an upcoming march. I attended my first big LGBT+
pride march here, which was a beautiful experience. People filled the main road
dressed head to toe in pride gear and chanted words of acceptance. Glitter
bombs shot into the air. Friends hugged and kissed each other. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blzXEDr6fm8/XheGTnYoMdI/AAAAAAAABi8/bU-8E6fo2-Qx4aaSyOZ78w6ZleBmMLM7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-5749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-blzXEDr6fm8/XheGTnYoMdI/AAAAAAAABi8/bU-8E6fo2-Qx4aaSyOZ78w6ZleBmMLM7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG-5749.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My view from on top of
the lighthouse at Cabo Polonio, my absolute favorite secluded beach town in
Uruguay. It’s one of Uruguay’s well-kept secrets. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN"> Graffiti is huge here. So huge that I don’t
think I have ever seen a building, other than government official buildings,
without some kind of graffiti on it. Montevideo has to have some of the most
talented artists in the world because some of the things I’ve seen I cannot
believe! While graffiti is still illegal here, the law is not really enforced
and I think the city is even proud of some of the artworks, legal or not. I
often see open space art galleries of street art with pictures of different
graffitis with the locations and artists’ names if they are available. I took a
graffiti tour and learned of a lot of wonderful artists like David de la Mano
and Alfafa, both of which have popular pieces in Montevideo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T83VDAyFoNo/XheFuaUj_fI/AAAAAAAABi0/UahNE_AUnIw3GraqPuAB8Bqyiq1ZR7tfACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-5220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T83VDAyFoNo/XheFuaUj_fI/AAAAAAAABi0/UahNE_AUnIw3GraqPuAB8Bqyiq1ZR7tfACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG-5220.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A graffiti that I found
on the streets of Montevideo. It’s fun to imagine the positions the artist had
to be in to paint the piece.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN"><br /> The culture itself is my favorite part. There
is always time to do what you want and relaxing and watching the sunset is
encouraged. My first trip with my international student group to Piriapolis,
another city in Uruguay, we watch the sunset at a very touristic spot with
other tourist groups and surely many Uruguayans. When the sun finally slipped
behind the horizon along the ocean everyone clapped. It was really cute, like
everyone was congratulating the sun on setting another day. On any given day,
no matter the weather, you can find a bunch of Uruguayans drinking their mate
(the most popular tea-like drink) and chatting with amigos by La Rambla, a
sidewalk that spans a lot of the coast of Montevideo. I am going to miss being
expected to take my time and enjoy the little things, like the sun setting yet
another day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AR8yJ0DyQRk/XheGbHfJvlI/AAAAAAAABjA/N_XH7Km0LVQTGpvsYIuTerkmqf1XOSTGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG-6203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AR8yJ0DyQRk/XheGbHfJvlI/AAAAAAAABjA/N_XH7Km0LVQTGpvsYIuTerkmqf1XOSTGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG-6203.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the beautiful
sunrises at Los Dedos. Spending time to watch time pass is a very important
part of Uruguayan culture. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"> As I write this I only have 2 weeks left of
class and 5 weeks left in South America. I probably talked to 6 or 7 different
people that have been to Montevideo in preparation for this trip, but nobody
warned me of the friendships that I would make here. I have met people from all
around the world and each one of them has impacted my life. To think that I
would have never met them if not for this paisito is crazy and I will forever
be grateful to Uruguay for bringing such amazing people into my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTz30uSmvrU/XheGtc9sn8I/AAAAAAAABjI/GQqpbNQf09ghsVCUi4rawiIU5_M5ey1tgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/190c8274-f3af-49bf-870b-02f11e706c49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTz30uSmvrU/XheGtc9sn8I/AAAAAAAABjI/GQqpbNQf09ghsVCUi4rawiIU5_M5ey1tgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/190c8274-f3af-49bf-870b-02f11e706c49.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">My international friends and I ate dinner at
Hard Rock Cafe so I could taste some American food. They don’t eat macaroni and
cheese here!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><br /><br /> If your still here, thanks for taking the time
to read a bit about my journey outside of the US for the first time. Viva
celeste, besos, and ciao.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-1755715933147920062019-12-04T10:39:00.001-08:002019-12-04T10:39:13.785-08:00Alex in France!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A quick note before starting: last
week my phone broke and I lost all the photos I had taken up until that point.
The only ones I still have are ones I sent to other people beforehand that they
were able to send back to me, but this is a tiny percentage of what I took.
Thus, I do not have any pictures with my honors dragon now, but I promise he is
with me and, as far as I can tell, is having a good time in France. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkgGdFX4pYo/Xef79J7dQhI/AAAAAAAABfw/r21h8XQIYWwaPmNLe1cysLqjMszZkxkxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1334" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xkgGdFX4pYo/Xef79J7dQhI/AAAAAAAABfw/r21h8XQIYWwaPmNLe1cysLqjMszZkxkxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/photo1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">A picture of Parc du Thabor located in Rennes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu2IZ88_OCA/Xef7_8vx9pI/AAAAAAAABf0/9f1nAZxHi9UylW60JarExFvF8hpt6oA7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/photo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu2IZ88_OCA/Xef7_8vx9pI/AAAAAAAABf0/9f1nAZxHi9UylW60JarExFvF8hpt6oA7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/photo2.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"> A picture taken in Rennes most well-known art museum, the Musée des Beaux Arts de Rennes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bonjour <span style="color: #222222;">à</span>
tous! My name is Alex Williams and I am a senior geography major with a music
minor, currently studying at the University of Rennes 2 in Rennes, France for
the fall 2019 semester. While the experience thus far has been extremely
positive, I did have my initial hesitations before and when arriving. Before
coming to Rennes, I had never been outside of North America before in my life,
nor had I ever been in a country where the primary language was not English.
Although I did know a little French from taking classes in high school and
university, it did not help ease my mind much knowing that I would be in the
midst of native speakers who would probably know I was not a native speaker the
second I opened my mouth. Nevertheless, I was also eager to be able to
experience a new country and become familiar with a culture different from my
own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I first arrived to Rennes 2, I
was fresh off of an 8-hour plane ride and a 2-hour train ride, and in my
exhaustion, I was unable to find the residence building in which I was to make
my home for the next 4 months. In my desperation, I worked up the courage to
ask a French student if he knew where I might be able to find the building I
was meant to be in. Right away any notion of French people being rude or snobby
(which is a stereotype I had heard of before coming) was immediately disproven
for me. Not only did the student show me on a map where my building was, but he
also offered to help carry my bags on the way there. As a first impression,
this made me feel a lot better, however once I was alone in my room I couldn’t
help but feel a little homesick already for my friends, family, and (perhaps
most importantly) bed back home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkvT7a74EEo/Xef8Ed18tcI/AAAAAAAABf4/giVmSUHKNPwNOcfhWMj3k50yAnM-iKy7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/photo3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkvT7a74EEo/Xef8Ed18tcI/AAAAAAAABf4/giVmSUHKNPwNOcfhWMj3k50yAnM-iKy7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/photo3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">In class with two of my international friends, Kaito from Japan (who is holding the camera) and Neza from Afghanistan (who is in the middle)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptxnaq2TSu8/Xef8Gc5HuzI/AAAAAAAABf8/n6mrVOI4Qt4kHdsbQuhw4jsQnWkMEnEGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/photo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ptxnaq2TSu8/Xef8Gc5HuzI/AAAAAAAABf8/n6mrVOI4Qt4kHdsbQuhw4jsQnWkMEnEGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/photo4.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">A picture taken in Paris of the Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the background</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Regardless, I pressed onward with my
journey, and as time went by and I began to settle into life in France. At
first, even little things like ordering at a restaurant could be a bit nerve
wracking, and I’d often have French people who knew English switch to speaking
English after they quickly realized my skills were not the best. However, I was
exposed to the language and culture more, I slowly found my confidence
building, and now I am able to maintain communication in French in most any
situation I find myself in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While being exposed to French
culture has been great and I have been able to eat bread to my heart's content,
perhaps the best thing about being here has been the people I have met. On top
of meeting native French people who have taught me some of the French way of
life, I have also met many international students as well. I have gotten to
know people from all over the world, ranging from Ghana to Japan to Italy to
Brazil and so on. Due to this, I have been able to learn about little things
about all sorts of cultures that are foreign to me, not just that of France.
With the international friends, I have made I have also been able to find people
with which to share the experience of living in a whole new country, and it has
easily been one of the best things about studying abroad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In my time in Rennes so far, I have
been able to become familiar with many things about France, ranging from their
cuisine to the way the university system works. However, I still feel I have a
lot to experience before returning home, and I hope that in the 5 weeks I have
remaining here, I can squeeze in as much as I can. Regardless, this experience
has already solidified itself as being one of the most memorable in my life,
and I am eager to see what the last stretch has in store.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Au revoir!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-90288786437240576432019-11-12T12:14:00.000-08:002019-11-12T12:15:39.046-08:00Vivian in Denmark!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
Story<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is not every day that someone can say they commute
between two countries every day to go to school, but I can say with a newfound
confidence that I have been able to navigate this challenge with only a few
hitches along the way. I embarked on this study abroad with the mindset that I
would reduce the costs as much as I could so that I could allocate money to
seeing all of Europe. As I result, I am living with my Swedish aunt and her
husband in a small village in southern Sweden and commuting an hour or more
one-way into Copenhagen every day for class. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWMzgh_fnrM/XcsN_6WqUwI/AAAAAAAABdQ/2BOiZXWbmQArs18DBnKCAsyez8-MgAoTQCEwYBhgL/s1600/4311ACF9-0A50-43AF-9FD2-139C7621B897.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1147" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWMzgh_fnrM/XcsN_6WqUwI/AAAAAAAABdQ/2BOiZXWbmQArs18DBnKCAsyez8-MgAoTQCEwYBhgL/s640/4311ACF9-0A50-43AF-9FD2-139C7621B897.jpeg" width="458" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are times when I still do not believe that I am
here living the dream that I had only a faint picture of when I was a senior in
high school. I have been saving money for the past five years to do something
big with my life. I am doing just that, hopping on trains across countries,
taking flights to countries that I had only ever seen pictures of, meeting
people from across the globe, and opening my mind to the possibilities that are
available to me. It felt surreal once my passport finally arrived with its
maroon cover, gold crown pattern, and the words “Europeiska Unionen Sverige
Pass”. All my new Swedish and Danish friends joke that I have a way to go
before I am officially Swedish, but to me, this passport connects me to the side
of my heritage that I do not know as well as my Irish heritage. It reminds me
of how hard I worked to get here; all the frustration was worth it in the end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaweFflzqyM/XcsN9czsdOI/AAAAAAAABdM/9zUS0Wwq63E9sCarad9iWjDagpYCkFT9gCEwYBhgL/s1600/B220E01E-DA3E-4377-AEF3-F988DAA0F585.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1230" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xaweFflzqyM/XcsN9czsdOI/AAAAAAAABdM/9zUS0Wwq63E9sCarad9iWjDagpYCkFT9gCEwYBhgL/s640/B220E01E-DA3E-4377-AEF3-F988DAA0F585.jpeg" width="492" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Being here has allowed me to appreciate how much my
parents went through as immigrants to the US. The cracks on their hands reflect
the hard labor they have had to do every single day since their first day in
the US, while my hands are less than half as cracked and aged as theirs. Every day I can see how they have sacrificed for my future success and
happiness. Not too long ago, the idea of college was not a certainty. We were
unsure if we were going to ever be able to afford it, but because of my
parents’ immigrant attitude, “by god I was going, no matter what we have to
do”. Ever since then, that spirit has burned within me and pushed me farther
than I ever thought I could go. I am propelled by the efforts of my parents and
the efforts of my Irish grandmother who raised 12 kids by herself after my
grandfather died, propelled to be what they dreamed of being but were not able
to fully achieve because life does not always go as planned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have traveled to Germany, the UK, parts of Denmark,
and different cities in Sweden, and I have many more plans to visit France,
Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, and explore Ireland
even more than I have. I have learned so much about myself that has been buried
underneath stress, self-comparison, and low self-esteem. Studying abroad is the
best decision I have made in life, not just because of how financial aid
relieved my worries about money but also because of the time I have granted to
be a kid again and to be fascinated by the wonders of life. Here I can once
again reconnect with my love for new experiences and most importantly reconnect
with my love for myself. At home, the days go by so quickly that I do not get
the time to do these things. I am so incredibly grateful to be here living my
best life, and I will look back on this time fondly. Thank you LIHC for
reminding me how wonderful the world and life really is, without this
opportunity I am not sure I would be as happy as I am now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-21076852128242553782019-11-05T08:05:00.002-08:002019-11-05T08:05:57.217-08:00Olivia in Australia!<br />
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<span lang="EN">“Olivia Alston can you please come to gate
number 37.” I nervously got up and walked over to the desk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN">The worker at the desk asked for my student
visa, and that is when everything hit me. I am really going to live the next
four months in Australia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">My name is Olivia Alston and I am a Junior
Kinesiology major with a minor in American Sign Language. I am studying abroad
at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia for their T2 semester. While
having the chance to stay on campus, I pretty much have the best roommates. Can
you believe the first night we all made a pie together? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing at the Deakin University sign on campus</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN">Not only were my roommates nice and welcoming,
but the residents of Australia were all nice. I was not the only one from UNCG
who went to Deakin, but I still wanted to gain more friendships. I joined one
organization, and a study abroad group, which led me to many great friends. I
needed to keep myself busy because I only had school 2 days a week here. While
I am here I have met many friends, traveled to other countries and cities
around Australia, learned how to ride public transportation, has done some cool
excursions, but the best of all is learning more about myself!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Usually, in a new environment, I am usually the
person that waits to be talked to, an introvert. Being in a new environment has
motivated me to come out of my shell. I have made friends in the study abroad
group, in a Christian club, 2 churches and also in my classes. The friendships
that were made here are genuine, honest, and encouraging. My friendships have
encouraged me to understand their culture. I have met people from Japan,
Indonesia, Singapore, Kenya, Vietnam, Korea, China, European areas, and
Australia. Having a wide range of friends have taught me a little bit about
their culture. My favorite learning experience has to be the time when
Christian Union had desserts from many countries. There was Pandan Cake from
Southeast Asia, Ice Kachang from Malaysia, Gajar Ka Halwa from India, and
Lamington from Australia. I had fun eating desserts and learning where they
came from.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN">Melbourne is the second-largest city in
Australia. They have the biggest malls I have ever seen and the best public
transportation. While being in Melbourne, I have grown to be comfortable when
riding public transportation because my sense of direction has been improving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN">It was the first weekend in Australia, and the
study abroad group decided to host a scavenger hunt around downtown. Once we
made our groups, the scavenger hunt began. A few of my favorites spots were the
AC/DC Lane, Melbourne Central and the many detours my group took along the way.
Not only did I have fun with getting to know new people, but I learned more
about how to get around the city.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My scavenger hunt group at one of the stops</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN">At Deakin University, the students are less
dependent on the school. There are no cafeterias, very minimal activities on
campus, no sports team, and not a lot of residential housing. A lot of changes
had to happen so I can adapt to my new norm. Cooking and creating desserts are
starting to grow on me. My favorite so far is the honey bun cake I made. At
Deakin University I also only have classes 2 days out of the week, Tuesday and
Wednesday. I thought managing a busy schedule back home was difficult, but
trying to make yourself busy is a lot harder. There is not much to do on
campus, and downtown is about 1 hour away from our school. With much free time, I have gotten into the habit of working out, self-reflecting, and treating
myself in my spare time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nature trail park near the school where I run</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN">Being abroad has made me less dependent on my
family and friends back home, it has helped me notice who I am becoming. Having
more spare time has awarded me the time to self-reflect and notice how I have
been changing, a positive change. Being here has helped me learn who I am
without factors back home that could alter it. I love the transformation that
has happened in Australia, I love the new me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucas and I at the Queen Victorian Winter Market</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-26514019565746384352019-10-29T10:50:00.001-07:002019-10-29T10:50:21.792-07:00Katie in Italy!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
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<span lang="EN" style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Hi! My name is Katie
Moffitt and my dragon’s name is Antonio. I’m a junior majoring in Psychology
with a minor in ASL/Deaf Studies. I embarked on a six-week, faculty-led summer
study abroad trip in Italy this past summer with four other students. I was pretty
freaking nervous to study abroad because I had never really been out of the
country, let alone for six weeks without my family. But since studying abroad
is such a unique experience, I was determined not to let my anxiety get the
best of me. People would ask me what I was most excited about, and even though
I couldn’t imagine what Italy would be like, I knew that I was extremely eager
to see how this adventure would influence my personal growth and development!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NlKMbTJqrSE/Xbh0xeyfhPI/AAAAAAAABaQ/eNOMu_t-efYoKbz7UeuK-urHqmrXR-mCACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/St%2BPeter%2527s%2BBasilica%2Bin%2BVatican%2BCity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NlKMbTJqrSE/Xbh0xeyfhPI/AAAAAAAABaQ/eNOMu_t-efYoKbz7UeuK-urHqmrXR-mCACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/St%2BPeter%2527s%2BBasilica%2Bin%2BVatican%2BCity.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Steps in Rome</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN" style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We visited about 18 different cities, either
living there for several weeks or going as day trips:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Milan, Padova, Bologna,
Venice, Florence, Bracciano, Loiano, Verona, Rimini, Rome, Naples, Herculaneum,
Pompeii, Ravenna, Procida, Amalfi, Modena, Marzabotto</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My professors spoke
fluent Italian and have even lived in Italy previously, which was really
helpful when navigating the cities and conversing with other people. They
taught us some basic Italian phrases, like different ways of greeting someone,
and most importantly, “Mi dispiace, non parlo l’italiano” (“I’m sorry, I don’t
speak Italian”). Since Italy is such a tourist destination, especially cities
like Rome, the locals are often forced to use the little English that they know
to communicate. But if we put forth the effort and spoke the little Italian
that we knew, the locals were more willing to speak a little English. In their
eyes, there are two versions of Italy: the one that is shown to the tourists,
and the real one that is kept private for themselves. We learned that by simply
demonstrating some respect and interest in Italian culture, the Italians would
often let us in to that private Italy. When I came back to the United States, I
thought it was so weird that everyone around me was speaking English!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Italy
is known for its food, and let me tell you, what we call Italian food is not
the real deal, nor a copy of the real thing. We were constantly raving about
the gelato, cheeses, wines, breads, and meats! Even though my professors did an
unbelievable job of scouting out the best places to eat, they also made sure
that we knew what average and bad Italian food tastes like. Compared to
American breakfasts, we barely had breakfast in the mornings because it usually
only consisted of coffee or freshly-squeezed juice and a pastry, Yet, we ate <i>too</i> much at every other meal! We did
research and asked for recommendations from restaurant owners to find the best
local restaurants and gelaterias. Asking restaurant owners for recommendations
is a great example of how our interest and respect for Italian culture let them
feel willing to open up, and we were able to experience the authentic side of
Italy. We learned how to differentiate touristy places from the places that are
local favorites. A smaller menu usually meant more local, fresh ingredients for
the few meals that they prepared. We got the opportunity to taste fresh lemons,
oranges, mozzarella, olive oil, and so much more! We even attended a wine
tasting, where we learned about how different wines are made, stored, and how
they’re paired with different types of meals. There were tons of different
meats that we tasted (or avoided), including chopped liver, squid, octopus,
prosciutto, pork cheek, lamb, shark, intestines, calamari, and sardines. It was
so hot that some days we got gelato or a granita two or three times. We also
usually got dessert at the restaurant after every meal. We deserved it after
all of the walking we were doing! We had wine during every lunch and dinner, at
least one red wine and one white wine. It took until the last week that we were
in Italy for me to find a wine that I actually liked. We considered it a
miracle! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teatro San Carlo in Naples</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mp4u8DKPa4o/Xbh04mXMpwI/AAAAAAAABac/pn3QDD4LkjALAiAuGZVLMgaJH9UKu4JfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Gondolas%2Bin%2BVenice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mp4u8DKPa4o/Xbh04mXMpwI/AAAAAAAABac/pn3QDD4LkjALAiAuGZVLMgaJH9UKu4JfQCEwYBhgL/s640/Gondolas%2Bin%2BVenice.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gondolas in Venice</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN" style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /> One cultural feature of
Italy that was very obvious was how and when you ate meals. During breakfast,
you rarely ever sat. While one reason for that is that you would have to pay to
sit, the bigger reason was that breakfast wasn’t a meal to sit and chat over.
You went to the cafe, ate a pastry, drank your coffee (usually espresso), and
then left. During lunch and dinner, you had to expect the meal to take at least
two hours, if not longer. It was extremely rude to rush any meal other than
breakfast. Since Italians usually eat dinner around eight or nine o’clock in
the evening, there’s essentially a designated snack time around 5 o’clock,
called aperitivo. The purpose of aperitivo was to whet your appetite and hold
you over until dinner. Even though we drank at most meals, including aperitivo,
I found that I preferred the drinking culture much better in Italy than here in
the United States. In Italy, the drinking age is 16 and everyone grows up with
wine casually being at every meal. Italians don’t drink to get drunk. An aspect
of Italy that I didn’t enjoy quite as much was the transportation. Public
transportation in Italy, especially Rome, is a living nightmare! Unreliable,
crowded, unventilated...it was rough sometimes. Over the course of the six
weeks, I traveled by bus, tram, train, bike, taxi, boat, and my own two legs.
But sometimes the worst experiences make the best stories, ya know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5v_ZZsDUaM/Xbh0-XspgcI/AAAAAAAABak/dh9GYZ4_5tklAdH9zjvQ_n-ekylKDtYNQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Antonio%2Blooking%2Bout%2Bover%2BVerona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5v_ZZsDUaM/Xbh0-XspgcI/AAAAAAAABak/dh9GYZ4_5tklAdH9zjvQ_n-ekylKDtYNQCEwYBhgL/s640/Antonio%2Blooking%2Bout%2Bover%2BVerona.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antonio looking out over Verona</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN" style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Living in various
hostels for six weeks was an <i>experience</i>,
and sometimes it kind of reminded me of dorm life. Some of my best memories
were from the hostels! Some hostels had air conditioning, some only had AC at
night (if you asked for it, until they turned it off at around 5am), and some
hostels had no AC at all. There were a few nights when it was so bloody hot,
that we soaked our towels in cold water and laid them on our stomachs. Also,
some of our hostel rooms were private, in which only our group stayed in the
room, and in other hostel rooms we had to share with other travelers. During
our one-week stay in Naples, we had three different roommates, from California,
Australia, and Malaysia. Since we stayed in some cities for up to three weeks,
we learned where the local grocery stores were. We were lucky enough to stay in
a hostel in Bologna that had a giant kitchen, so we were able to cook our own
meals when we weren’t out eating too much pizza and pasta. We visited <i>so</i> many different sites throughout Italy
that creating a list would take too dang long. Not only did we see the most
famous sites, like the Colosseum and Michelangelo’s marble statue of David, but
we also saw so many more amazing things that weren’t crawling with tourists. We
even attended several operas, in Italian of course, in the most grand theatres
I’ve ever seen!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="background: white; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If someone were to ask
me now what my favorite part was or what was the most exciting thing that I
did, I wouldn’t be able to pick just one. By the end of the trip, I had
collected a total of 60 postcards that I wrote for family members from every
city that we stayed in. Of course I got some for myself too, and yes, I did
write on all of them. I took about 4,000 pictures, which made it very hard to
pick just a few for this post. There hasn’t been one day that has gone by that
I haven’t thought about my trip to Italy. I learned so much about the world and
myself while along that journey, and I still continue to learn from it every
day. If I had let my fear of what <i>might</i>
go wrong get in the way, I would have missed out on one of the best experiences
of my life.</span><span lang="EN"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4D8GLWWKpU/Xbh018R8aNI/AAAAAAAABaY/wvR1vYmmOWYyktguZLXlEbN5E4xEKb_KACEwYBhgL/s1600/Hiking%2Bin%2BMarzabotto.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4D8GLWWKpU/Xbh018R8aNI/AAAAAAAABaY/wvR1vYmmOWYyktguZLXlEbN5E4xEKb_KACEwYBhgL/s640/Hiking%2Bin%2BMarzabotto.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking in Marzabotto</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-77514347577986458732019-10-22T09:24:00.002-07:002019-10-22T09:24:21.032-07:00Jordan in Uruguay!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> ¡Hola a todos! My name is Jordan Anderson, and I am a
junior psychology and Spanish double major. I am spending this semester in
Montevideo, Uruguay. It has already been quite an adventure, and I know it will
continue to be until I return to Greensboro in December. Studying abroad has
always been a dream of mine, so before I got here, I was mostly excited but
also a little nervous. However, as soon as I stepped out of the plane and into
Carrasco International Airport, I was mostly nervous and a little excited. That
first day was both fun and challenging. My roommate Laci (a fellow
International Honors student) and I were allowed to drop off our things at our
apartment, but then we had to wait for a couple hours in a nearby indoor market
while our landlord finished getting our apartment ready (keep in mind that this
was after a 24-hour trip). So, we got to know a little bit of the city before
we even got to take a nap. I continued to feel as if I were wandering a strange
city in need of a nap for the first couple of weeks I spent here. It is never
easy to be removed from your normal life and placed into one in which you don’t
speak the language very well, and you don’t really know anyone. But, after only
2 or 3 weeks, I had started to adapt. My Spanish was already so much better
(it’s amazing what practicing every day for hours can do), and I had already
found some great friends in the other international students in my program. I
think we all stick together because we’re all in the same crazy situation. I
truly became aware of the quality of friends I had made when my birthday rolled
around in August. I was a little bit sad because I wasn’t getting to celebrate
with my friends from home. However, my friends here surprised me with a huge
party, cake, and most importantly, crepes (made by my French friends.) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">The usual Wednesday night out with a fellow International Honors student, Laci</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Celebrating my 21st birthday with friends from around the world</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>While
the first few weeks here were life-changing, my journey definitely didn’t end
there. The longer I’m here, the better my Spanish gets, the more comfortable I
feel, etc. I’ve been here for almost 2 months, and I recently became aware of
how much I’ve fallen in love with Montevideo. Last weekend, some friends and I
took a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I was truly very surprised when I
realized how excited I was to get back to Montevideo. I missed my life here
while I was gone, and that made me realize that I’m beginning to feel at home
here. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Montevideo sign located in Playa Pocitos</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Enjoying the sunshine at La Plaza de la Bandera</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Obviously,
I’m learning lots of Spanish here. I learn new words and become more
comfortable using the language every day. But Spanish is not all that Uruguay
has taught me so far. There’s a word they use a lot here and it’s “tranquí.”
Tranquí is a variation of the word “tranquilo” which means calm in Spanish. On
the surface level, I have learned to adapt to the more relaxed schedules. By
this, I mean that I no longer freak out if I’m supposed to be somewhere, and
the bus doesn’t show up on time (or at all.) I’ve also had to find new ways to
relax and be calm because I don’t have as many classes as I usually do in the
US, and I’m the kind of person who can be stressed doing nothing because I feel
like I need to be doing something. But I think the meaning of tranquí goes
further than bus schedules and classes. Being here has also taught me that I
don’t have to be afraid to mess up when I speak Spanish. The people here are so
nice and just happy that I’m trying to learn. The best part is, I think I will
be able to apply this to other situations when I go home. I think I’m learning
that it’s ok to be wrong and to fail sometimes-it’s all part of the adventure.</span><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_mOYa6yL5g/Xa8pwce2reI/AAAAAAAABYo/5gXdGGCzdrUr09mwu3KKinOkfNmtZM8hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o_mOYa6yL5g/Xa8pwce2reI/AAAAAAAABYo/5gXdGGCzdrUr09mwu3KKinOkfNmtZM8hgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5699.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Sunset from my weekend trip to Piriapolis</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Los Dedos in la playa Punta Del Este </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In
addition to getting out of my comfort zone, I’ve been discovering new passions.
My passion for adventure has been rediscovered and reinforced, but I also have
discovered a new passion for languages and language-learning. As soon as I
started to feel comfortable with Spanish, I thought, “What language should I
learn next?” Languages to me are endlessly useful, and they can’t be taken away
from you once you learn them, even though you may become rusty without
practice. Upon returning to the US, I would like to find a way to incorporate
linguistics/more languages into my studies and, hopefully, my career.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">La Ciudadela (original gateway to Montevideo when it had a wall, back in the old days)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">El Palacio Salvo (oldest skyscraper in South America, located in the old city section of Montevideo)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krRUFR-nzZg/Xa8tC2p1PSI/AAAAAAAABZA/fvkTUDi0HtUkg9sQdZMoaIE9jFWGbIFxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krRUFR-nzZg/Xa8tC2p1PSI/AAAAAAAABZA/fvkTUDi0HtUkg9sQdZMoaIE9jFWGbIFxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_6349.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">My dragon, Rodrigo posing in front of some of the "arte callajero" which is plentiful in Montevideo</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ll
conclude by saying that I have almost three months left here, but I already
don’t know how I’m going to leave. This place, the experiences I’ve had, and
the people I’ve met are unforgettable. It’s like I have just enough time here
to start a new life, and as it begins, I will have to leave it. But I know that
after this, I’ll be on to other adventures, so todo tranquí. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-6638101398701133342019-09-25T08:14:00.002-07:002019-09-25T08:14:23.294-07:00Ella in Rome<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 13.91px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Hi everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I</span>’m Ella Porter, a junior HDFS major with a concentration in Child, Youth, and Family Development and a minor in Classical Studies. This summer, I spent four weeks in Italy studying abroad as part of the UNCG in Rome program. During the time I was in Italy, I got to visit many historically and culturally important sites in both Rome and Naples while learning about the architecture, culture, history, and impact of the people and places in Rome, from ancient times to the modern-day. It was kind of unbelievable for me, being in Rome and in Italy every day, walking all around the city and having so much time to explore it, especially since traveling to Italy, in general, has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7hZFVKF1qA/XYuDOlB-SdI/AAAAAAAABTg/zmo0EccZT2YAEYwLUvht1FPlC-FsS50CACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7111.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7hZFVKF1qA/XYuDOlB-SdI/AAAAAAAABTg/zmo0EccZT2YAEYwLUvht1FPlC-FsS50CACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_7111.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Visiting St. Peter's Square on my first day in Rome</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">This is my dragon, Aurora! I named her after the Roman goddess of dawn.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0m81EvX4XWU/XYuDTxkZHDI/AAAAAAAABTk/MjOc8uOWBM0_mGTngnq9oowcd5VDfffZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7441.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Rome is such a fascinating city because almost everywhere you go, you’re surrounded by the modern city, and all of the businesses, restaurants, shops, traffic, graffiti and so on that entails, but you’re simultaneously surrounded by all of the thousands of years of history that exists in Rome by way of ancient ruins, monuments, and sites. It can make your head spin a little, seeing a grouping of ancient temples right in the middle of a city square. In Naples, it seemed to me that the ancient sites were further away from the city and not quite as intertwined with it as they were in Rome. However, both cities were home to some amazing sites and museums!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"> In the Colosseum</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br />While I genuinely enjoyed every place I was able to visit during my time in Italy, the highlights for me were probably visiting the Colosseum, the Vatican Museum, Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius. The Colosseum is such an integral symbol of Rome. It’s amazing how much history it contains, and I will never forget the wonder I felt standing inside it and looking into the arena. The Vatican Museum is so huge that I wasn’t able to view all of the art and exhibits, even though I was there for hours. I absolutely love art, so much that at one point I seriously considered majoring in art history, so I was incredibly excited to visit the Vatican Museum, and I was not disappointed. It was so cool getting to see famous artworks like Raphael’s School of Athens fresco and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and I was also happily surprised to find works by van Gogh, Matisse, and Edvard Munch in the museum as well. Pompeii was a surprise for me because it was such a larger site than I was anticipating. I was also surprised at how much of the ancient city was still intact – you could still see roads, walls from houses, and the ruins of buildings and temples, so you could really get a sense of what it was like living in Pompeii in ancient times. Of course, you can’t really talk about Pompeii without also talking about Mount Vesuvius. I knew I wanted to be able to make it all the way to the top of the hiking trail on Mount Vesuvius, but I also knew it was going to be very difficult for me, as I am most definitely not a hiker and the trail was pretty steep. Getting to the top was quite the struggle for me, and honestly was probably the hardest thing I had to do during my time in Italy, but I am so proud of myself for pushing through and getting to the top anyway. The view was absolutely incredible and worth the hike.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Pompeii's Forum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NK5W9p1CgEg/XYuDjNzpUiI/AAAAAAAABTw/jfNJCzdZgBEIM8gl38ykw3rUAlE_wVBSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0052.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NK5W9p1CgEg/XYuDjNzpUiI/AAAAAAAABTw/jfNJCzdZgBEIM8gl38ykw3rUAlE_wVBSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0052.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">On top of Mount Vesuvius!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">At the beginning of my study abroad experience, I was pretty nervous. I wasn’t sure if studying abroad was the right thing for me. I had never traveled by myself or even really been out of the country before this trip. Plus, I didn’t know how I would deal with culture shock or the language barrier. It helped that my trip was faculty-led because I didn’t have to figure everything out on my own, but even so, there were moments that were confusing and hard for me, and I had to step out of my comfort zone. However, the experience of studying abroad really allowed me to grow as a person, become more independent and confident, have the trip of a lifetime, and make a long-held dream come true! I’m so glad I studied abroad this summer.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-70232212107048181332019-09-10T09:45:00.002-07:002019-09-10T09:45:54.583-07:00Eliza in Copenhagen!<div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
I woke up on March 27th to a text message from a dear friend I have known since middle school, notifying me of the times and dates for her trip to Sweden. This was during a time of immense homesickness for me, and the idea that a loved one would no longer be 4000 miles away was exciting. Even more exciting, though, was the idea that Kiruna, Sweden, is only a day’s train journey away from where I am staying in Copenhagen.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"> Lærke visiting Nyhavn (Lærke is a feminine name meaning “lark” in Danish.</span></td></tr>
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I furiously researched train tickets and hostels before calling my friend when I knew she would be awake to hear of my hasty scheme. The plan was that I would come join her to share in the experience of (hopefully) seeing the northern lights. She responded with excitement, so I packed my backpack, got some Swedish Krona, bought my train tickets, and began my long journey. -21 hours later- I arrived in Kiruna to see that the path I needed to take to my hostel had not been cleared of snow; instead, the pavement was piled high with snow that went up to my knees. Fortunately, I love snow; unfortunately, I hate when my socks get damp. I pressed on through the snow, using a compass and a map to get to the hostel; I felt very rugged. This ruggedness continued when I met my friend for dinner in a Lavvu (a traditional tent of the indigenous Laplanders, looks a bit like a teepee) made of reindeer hide and ordered a traditional reindeer dish with some hot lingonberry juice. The reindeer was great. It tasted a bit like steak, and the juice tasted a bit like a cranberry tea my mother will occasionally make for family holidays. </div>
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On the next day, April 1st, my friend and I ate breakfast while discussing the April Fools pranks we had seen so far before taking a taxi to the world-famous ice hotel. It’s built from the ground up every year using the ice from the nearby river and the talents of artists from all over the world. It was very cool (I do love a pun)!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">These Ice blocks each weigh more than a tonne!</span></td></tr>
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We spent some time at the cafe, which was not made of ice, before catching a bus to go dogsledding. The dogs and their colleagues were really friendly. We put our things in the yurt we would sleep in before having a fish stew for dinner. I don’t care for fish, but it was quite nice. The mushers let each of us harness one of the dogs for the journey. The one I harnessed was named Nellie “the Pirate Dog,” nicknamed such because she is missing an eye. She was so calm and affectionate with me. She looked up at me and leaned against my leg as I scratched her ears with one hand and pulled her legs through the harness with the other. Once attached to the sled, each dog became instantly energetic. They were pulling, barking, and wagging their tails like mad. Luckily, the sled was anchored! The minute the anchor was released, we took off down the trail.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf6R3EklKOk/XXfJPlPPWKI/AAAAAAAABPw/VtCJsGhkCdgaO5IhkQ47ecW1I3QtURkJwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf6R3EklKOk/XXfJPlPPWKI/AAAAAAAABPw/VtCJsGhkCdgaO5IhkQ47ecW1I3QtURkJwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3039.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">When the dogs get thirsty, they lick at the snow on either side of the trail</span></td></tr>
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My time on that sled was magnificent! The sunset reflected softly over the snow as we slid over small hills and frozen lakes. It’s very difficult to capture what I felt while sledding. If you know me personally, you will know that I don’t cry very often. I cried no fewer than 3 times on that dog sled, overwhelmed by the beauty and strength of the dogs tearing through the snow-covered landscape as the stars emerged overhead. We did end up seeing the aurora, but it wasn’t with the dogs. We drove to a small town called Abisko to scope out a spot in the natural park away from the lights of nearby civilization. <b> </b>We wandered for a few hours, coming across a stunning frozen waterfall, a tiny cave that I could barely fit into, and a bridge high over a still river, the perfect spot for seeing the aurora. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole world seemed to calm down as we stood in the park.</td></tr>
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When we came back at about 10 pm, the lights were vibrant, streaking across the stars like performance ribbons. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We watched the aurora for about 4 hours before it faded. </span><div style="text-align: start;">
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I truly cannot put into words what this experience means to me. I am thrilled that I got to have this adventure with a beloved friend. Oddly, I am reminded of an epitaph I read in Pennsylvania graveyard, “What we keep in memory is ours forever.” I am honored to share this memory with someone I love. </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-63980529479709863922019-08-21T05:41:00.005-07:002019-08-21T05:41:43.041-07:00Andrew in Costa Rica!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My
first day in Costa Rica was one that I will never forget. When I got off the
plane, I felt like I was hit with almost immediate culture shock. Almost
everything was in Spanish. The airport employees were speaking Spanish, the
signs were in Spanish, and the crowds of taxi drivers searching for new
customers were yelling in Spanish. Of course, I knew that this would be the
case but I did not know it would cause this “new-country” anxiety that I had
never experienced. I knew basic Spanish, but I did not believe that I was near
the level that was needed to be living in a Spanish-speaking country for a
month. My group facilitator could see the worry on my face as we traveled to
our first destination. I prayed about it, and I realized that this new feeling
was a good thing. It was the start of me stepping out of my comfort zone. One
thing that my study abroad experience taught me was that, in order to grow as a
human being and educationally was to experience uncomfortable situations such
as this. This realization was the starting thought that fueled my educational
experience.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPGhhzaF3NA/XV06_C_wrjI/AAAAAAAABM8/ryJpZGTc8WAO0nSoyxKG66-_LkcX_67JgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG-9874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPGhhzaF3NA/XV06_C_wrjI/AAAAAAAABM8/ryJpZGTc8WAO0nSoyxKG66-_LkcX_67JgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG-9874.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">Enjoying the waterfalls at Llanos de Cortez.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My
name is Andrew Council and I am a junior, studying Media & Communication
Studies. I had the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica for approximately
4 weeks. We lived in three different cities which included Monteverde, Flamingo
and Heredia. Our first city was Monteverde, where we began our trip with fun
excursions such as zip-lining and horse-back riding. One of my favorite parts
about this experience was getting to meet my amazing host-families. They
welcomed me into their homes with open arms, and I had the pleasure of being a member
of their families. Some had pets, which I truly enjoyed, and the families
treated me as if I had been their son for years. At the beginning of my stay
with their families, the mother of the home, or my “Mama-Tica” would walk me to
the bus stop, and send her good wishes for the day. From there, the students
and I would be off to class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1YIX4262XU/XV068zCxirI/AAAAAAAABM4/8EOPtDkrUSM0plIjCZaKdKATgt7FIH3WgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG-9790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u1YIX4262XU/XV068zCxirI/AAAAAAAABM4/8EOPtDkrUSM0plIjCZaKdKATgt7FIH3WgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG-9790.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">A little hideaway spot our guide, Leslie, found for us!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
took Spanish-immersion classes with Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (CPI). Our
classes were four hours a day, which frightened me before I actually stepped
foot inside of my first class session. The instructors within the classroom
knew little to no English, so they strongly encouraged us to only speak Spanish
while in class. This is where I was able to practice my Spanish the most. We listened
to music and did activities centered around Costa-Rican culture. We also
learned the meaning behind “Pura Vida” and what it meant to the people of the
country. Learning a new language was something that had been a wish of mine for
a long time. There was an ease that came with being immersed in the foreign
language. Learning the language here in Costa Rica came easier than it did with
my classes back on campus. I enjoyed meeting and learning about the various
professors that I encountered. They were always willing to listen and had a
true dedication to teaching their beautiful language.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv01VdjcwRI/XV0667stCwI/AAAAAAAABM0/-pjHvwkQUPA4lXwqnyE9WP1aH09QbiOSACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG-0764%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv01VdjcwRI/XV0667stCwI/AAAAAAAABM0/-pjHvwkQUPA4lXwqnyE9WP1aH09QbiOSACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG-0764%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">My dragon Joaquìn enjoying the beach!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We
had the opportunity to participate in various service projects while abroad as
well. We worked with many organizations and foundations that were created to
serve communities and the youth in various areas. Serving these communities was
something that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I was able to meet
so many people who were filled with so much joy. This experience helped me
realize that I do not have to be the richest, or “most able” man in the world
to be happy or content. As U.S citizens, we have such as ethnocentric view of
the world and an “Americanized” view of what defines happiness. This study
abroad experience helped me to find peace within myself, and it was definitely
an enriching and humbling experience. I am so glad that I have the opportunity
to share this experience with other current and future honor students. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fplbZmkE04/XV064idwDLI/AAAAAAAABM8/xyxRKRQ8x0gLa9LZ-6G03HjSauOUUIM4gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0194.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fplbZmkE04/XV064idwDLI/AAAAAAAABM8/xyxRKRQ8x0gLa9LZ-6G03HjSauOUUIM4gCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0194.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">My group serving a young man of the community.</span></td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-31252935456588902262019-08-12T13:49:00.000-07:002019-08-12T13:49:27.914-07:00Al in Senegal!<div class="m_-3574305996728180847p1" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">My name is Al Rieder. I am a rising senior at UNCG, a History major, and a double minor in Geography and Islamic Studies. I am currently on my 2nd week of classes in my summer session study abroad in Dakar, Senegal at the Dakar Institute of African Studies. Dakar is the capital, largest city, and westernmost city in Senegal, which itself is the westernmost country in the African continent. I am here abroad studying the Wolof language and the intersection of Africa and Islam. </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">In Senegal, the two official languages are French and Wolof, and most folks also know conversational levels of their regional ethnic languages (Serer, Mandinka, and Lebe to name a few), as well as basic levels of reading comprehension in Classical Arabic to read the Quran. This means most Senegalese have at least some grasp of anywhere from 3-5 or even 6 languages (some people knowing bits of English or Italian as well). Wolof itself is one of the regional ethnic languages, however, it has become a lingua-Franca in the nation, alongside and mixed often with French. The religious makeup of the country is about 95% Muslim (mostly Sufi variants of Sunnism), 4% Christian (of which the majority being Catholic), and about 1% Buddhist (from Chinese immigrants who have come as sponsors by the Chinese government for investment in sub-Saharan Africa). Most people back home I talk to find that surprising, but most places in West Africa are actually Muslim and have been for many centuries, while the “traditional African religions” are mainly found to the south and in the interior of the continent. Given, the history of Islam here was one of gradual growth, starting in about the 1200s, and slowly building until near complete adoption in West Africa by the 1800s. All of which too was caused by gradual exposure to Islam via trade with Muslim empires in North Africa. </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">Of all of the enslaved peoples brought to the Americas, the greater majority of them historically were from West Africa, as the sailing ships could get to the Western Cape of the continent easier within the Triangular Trade with North America and Western Europe than they could any point in the interior or south or on the east of the continent. Because of this, the enslavement economy of Western Africa colonial ports like Dakar (of which was handled by numerous Western European nation-states since the 1400’s until being kept by France until the 20th century), ended up being the most likely point of forced departure from the continent for the majority of the enslaved ancestors of modern Black Americans. </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">This trip has been a first hand & on the ground exposure for me to the history of colonialism and enslavement in West Africa. Even though it is only our second week here, already I have been able to see the infamous “House of Slaves” on Gorèe Island (where the “Door of No Return” is located), the French train station & adjacent shipyard that extracted the wealth and prosperity from the interior, the Westernmost Point in Africa, and the African Renaissance Monument. Despite the many hardships that last to even this day surrounding neo-colonialism, Dakar is a sprawling 2nd world city that is leading the charge for economic prosperity in Francophone West Africa. (This is the reason that the massive African Renaissance Monument was built too, as a testament to this.) If the Statue of Liberty is to North America, and the Christ the Redeemer Statue is to South America, then The African Renaissance Monument is the equivalent in Africa. </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">My professors here warned me about not painting a neo-colonialist view of Senegal, either that it is somehow a “terrible 3rd world cesspool,” or the “promised motherland of African peoples.” The reality here is the country of Senegal, and even more so the city of Dakar, is especially nuanced. On the one hand, Senegal is a former French colony in which Catholicism (a colonial enforced faith) is present, French (a colonial language) is still spoken, and the French military and private sector to this day still takes advantage of it to this day. But on the other hand, I was made clear to explain that the identity here is not French by any means, but a nuanced and relatively new thing; it is an identity that wholeheartedly admits its colonized past, and embraces its multicultural present. Also, I would be lying if I said that all I do is go to the beach and watch the sunset. There are plenty more bugs than I could ever care for, I’ve had to use a mosquito nest to sleep for the first time in my life, and the smog from car exhaust/kicked up sand/horse poo/and litter is ever-present in the city. But at the same time, there are skyscrapers, boogie boutiques, and artisan restaurants, beach resorts, wonderful saltwater air, and I can’t express this enough and mean it wholeheartedly- friendly welcoming people. (Matter of fact, there is a whole term for it, “teranga,” which is southern hospitality on steroids.) </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_-3574305996728180847p1" style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: ".SF UI Text"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">In completion, for now, Senegal is a complex country with a rich history and vibrant culture, full of Islam, Mbalax music (which I can only really describe as a much faster Ska), grilled seafood n’ veggies, and a multi-lingual and multicultural people. They don’t want to be seen as an idealized homeland for the African diaspora, and they don’t want to be seen as a poor third world country. Senegal is nuanced and complex, and it is beautiful that way, bugs, skyscrapers, and all in between. </span></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">PS, I 100% forgot to pack my Lloyd International Honors College dragon, I’m so sorry, I hope the pictures without it suffice.</span></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">Best regards to all,</span></div>
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<span class="m_-3574305996728180847s1" style="font-family: ".SFUIText";">-Al Rieder</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-1767843207877325592019-08-05T07:22:00.003-07:002019-08-05T07:22:53.094-07:00Leighann in Denmark! <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leighann
Brooks (International Honors) – Aarhus University, Denmark </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Check out Leighann's vlog by clicking the link below. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6oN9bvs0og&t=327s">Leighann explores Denmark!</a><br />
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Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-49924780144053853802019-07-19T07:11:00.000-07:002019-07-19T07:11:12.108-07:00Miracle in Costa Rica!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> My first night in Costa Rica was an overwhelming
experience. Everything moved so fast and my Tico family spoke even faster. When
my host mom was explaining the household operations, all I could do was smile
and say “si, si, si.” My ears and mind couldn’t fully comprehend what was being
said. I just wanted to go to sleep and try again tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> ¡Pura Vida! My name is Miracle Johnson and I am a senior
biology major on a pre-medicine track. My study abroad experience was in Costa Rica
with The School of Health and Human Sciences (HSS). The program was three weeks
of Spanish classes and service-learning opportunities. While in Costa Rica, I
attended CPI Spanish Immersion School in three different areas: Heredia,
Monteverde, and Flamingo. Each site provided me the opportunity to improve my
Spanish speaking skills and learn more about Tico culture. I would like to note
some key experiences from my time in Costa Rica.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBXrDrswSUE/XTHFmgoi-lI/AAAAAAAABCA/d2GKNJk6gp4G_HKiOT7JwCzuQLTRlO8kgCEwYBhgL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_a0%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="686" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBXrDrswSUE/XTHFmgoi-lI/AAAAAAAABCA/d2GKNJk6gp4G_HKiOT7JwCzuQLTRlO8kgCEwYBhgL/s640/fullsizeoutput_a0%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Pablo y yo at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Rich land is an understatement when describing the biodiversity of Costa Rica. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Language<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Spanish language in Costa Rica was taught differently
from my experiences in the US. The “tu” form wasn’t taught in the Spanish
language classes at CPI. Instead we addressed everyone, young or old, in the
formal “usted” form. This was different because throughout all my years of
Spanish learning much emphasis was placed upon the different conjugation forms.
Nonetheless, learning only four conjugation forms made it easier for me to
conjugate verbs. I didn’t have to overthink if I was conjugating a verb
correctly to fit who I was referring to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">¡Pura Vida!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> It did take me a while to get comfortable with my first
host family; however, I felt more a part of the family as the days went by. I
consider living with a host family a plus to studying abroad in Costa Rica.
Living with three different Tico families taught me various connotations of
Pura Vida. Pura Vida isn’t just a greeting Ticos use; it is a way of living! My
time with my host families lead me to experience the simplicity behind “Pura
Vida”. I would volunteer, go to classes, and return to enjoy downtime with my
host families. The common activities included playing with the kids and
watching fútbol or movies.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da-rDpbfBWM/XTHGN1B0k2I/AAAAAAAABCI/sDcCYIJh87wyTZmWVPQDustHbgRz0JJXACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da-rDpbfBWM/XTHGN1B0k2I/AAAAAAAABCI/sDcCYIJh87wyTZmWVPQDustHbgRz0JJXACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_4124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pura Vida can have different meanings. My bungee jumping experience taught me, Pura Vida, means combating fears, taking risks, and just living. </td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Service in La Carpio<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> La Carpio is one of the “slums” in Costa Rica. It is a
rural area with a large Nicaraguan population. My study abroad group
volunteered with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation to renovate a mother’s
bathroom. My service-learning experience in La Carpio showed me the unpleasant
realities of living in Costa Rica. Nevertheless, the people of La Carpio make
the best of their living situations. There was a presentation by a group of
mothers which expressed their love for their children. There were handcrafts
and shops along the street which expressed their creativity, drive, and love
for their community. Serving in La Carpio gave me a profound understanding of
living in Costa Rica that I would not have grasped from readings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixlifik9hNw/XTHHnGsprEI/AAAAAAAABCQ/mvvnwLntS0A8vq-Xj_EWsNJY96VuAAeywCLcBGAs/s1600/cd62cb55-9b81-4278-bef6-576d0b7bd88e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1599" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixlifik9hNw/XTHHnGsprEI/AAAAAAAABCQ/mvvnwLntS0A8vq-Xj_EWsNJY96VuAAeywCLcBGAs/s640/cd62cb55-9b81-4278-bef6-576d0b7bd88e.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">My study abroad group smiling after a day's work in the sun.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Serving at Life Monteverde<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Volunteering at Life Monteverde was another experience I
enjoyed. The people of Life Monteverde were so passionate about protecting and
utilizing the land. I always just been one to appreciate those at Farmer’s
Markets who take the time to provide communities with natural produce and
meats. Volunteering to plant at the farm provided a peaceful feeling. I enjoyed
tending to the land for the moment because I felt a part of nature’s process of
food production. I love the point the owner made as well. We are not educated
on sustainability and it is a challenge to reverse habits of simply going to
grocery stores to obtain goods.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HV-yhG0eGI/XTHH7Q20__I/AAAAAAAABCc/EpMjbjg7VQIFJpmPwzgY1wmO1iawCW9WgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_ac.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1173" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HV-yhG0eGI/XTHH7Q20__I/AAAAAAAABCc/EpMjbjg7VQIFJpmPwzgY1wmO1iawCW9WgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_ac.jpeg" width="468" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wooden mottos made by students from GLC, NMSU, and MSU on
sustainability. </span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Although three weeks seems like a short period of time
abroad, we experienced a lot throughout Costa Rica. Here is a video made by my
tour guide, Marta Rodriguez. The video perfectly encapsulates the study abroad
experience with HSS Costa Rica Study Abroad Program. </span></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/dx68wdPkb84">Costa Rica Video</a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-81000859671899571862019-07-08T07:09:00.000-07:002019-07-08T07:09:17.797-07:00Casey in Spain!<br />
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I began my journey to Cádiz, Spain with feelings of doubt,
fear, and confusion due to unexpected changes in travel plans. With my brain
scattered and plans falling apart, I had to leave everything that was familiar
and comfortable behind temporarily, whether I was ready or not. Flying by
myself was a terrifying thought but I soon found some comfort by meeting my
other classmates who I would soon build great friendships with. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4du6kV5rnw/XSNNHzOewMI/AAAAAAAABA4/SmdyTTIVylk3ZAeERVkQisjdPKm_r1VhACEwYBhgL/s1600/BCA3CCA8-E4D7-491E-B050-518446A0EA86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4du6kV5rnw/XSNNHzOewMI/AAAAAAAABA4/SmdyTTIVylk3ZAeERVkQisjdPKm_r1VhACEwYBhgL/s640/BCA3CCA8-E4D7-491E-B050-518446A0EA86.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Upon reaching
Madrid’s airport, navigating to get to my bag and then to the train station was
an adventure in its own. Who would have thought it would take me three hours to
get from my plane to the train? Definitely not me, keep in mind my Spanish
speaking skills were equivalent to a toddlers at this point. I finally board
the train with a sense of relief and fatigue, thinking all of my troubles are
behind me, I was mistaken. Somewhere in Seville our train lost power
completely, and with that goes the A/C. Here I am sitting amongst Spanish
strangers in what felt like a toaster oven in the middle of a pass over bridge.
All information regarding the status of the train was of course given in
Spanish at a rapid pace, therefore I had to just sit back and wait in confusion
for three hours until the train finally began to function again. I finally
reach the train station in Cádiz where I meet my host family, Manolo and Ani
Martinez, some of the sweetest and most loving people I have ever met in my
life. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07BTGr8Yb-w/XSNNFWXAqCI/AAAAAAAABA0/9PdEoE0IdaEcDqhPg5C9xfhq-2sjjz5UgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07BTGr8Yb-w/XSNNFWXAqCI/AAAAAAAABA0/9PdEoE0IdaEcDqhPg5C9xfhq-2sjjz5UgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_7960.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Over the course of the program, I would soon feel as if I was a part of
their real family. As soon as the program started, each day seemed to have
flown by. With my many adventures and fun nights with my classmates, I had
experiences that I will never forget. My Spanish skills also improved drastically
through the classes I took and by talking with the people of Cádiz. The full
immersion experience was definitely the best and most fun way to learn the
language. Lastly, La Playa de Caleta was an absolute dream. A short ten-minute
walk from my host house and I was at the beautiful shore. To study abroad is a
major blessing, but to also have the beach close is a miracle. I absolutely
loved my study abroad experience, the good and the bad. No other place matches Cádiz,
Spain, a city with unique charm and beauty.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1i6lTPNc9k/XSNNDYop4KI/AAAAAAAABAw/av6lSQzihnEln6dSgEP2bcMKqg8a9mWNQCEwYBhgL/s1600/9DEC04BD-AE5E-44BC-BE5A-3B364EFC34AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1i6lTPNc9k/XSNNDYop4KI/AAAAAAAABAw/av6lSQzihnEln6dSgEP2bcMKqg8a9mWNQCEwYBhgL/s640/9DEC04BD-AE5E-44BC-BE5A-3B364EFC34AA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-12909974415494133892019-06-04T07:55:00.001-07:002019-06-04T07:55:20.069-07:00Miranda in France!<br />
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“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye
so hard.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Winnie the Pooh<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Hi everyone, my name is Miranda
Sherman and I have just returned home from my study abroad with the ESDES
Business School at the Universit<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">é</span> Catholique de Lyon (UCLy). It has
been just over two weeks since I returned home, and since then, I have had much
time to reflect on all the incredible experiences I was able to take part in. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When I was thinking about preparing
to leave my host country, I was met with unease and melancholy. How would I
transition back home? Would the reverse culture shock be worse than the culture
shock going to France? These were the questions I had been trying to grope for
the last few weeks of my study abroad program. When the semester ended, the
friends I had made slowly began to make their way back home, leaving me and
just a few others in Lyon. Each day, I simply went out to walk around for a few
hours and soak in the city before I returned to North Carolina. I just wanted to
see and remember as much as possible before I had to leave it all. Even after
living there for four months, I felt like I had not explored enough of the
place I called home. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVrBo35QjQU/XPVh-tjnXcI/AAAAAAAAA_E/HNvxHpQfYQgyit-2Zh8Bxm-xmUR_0ovSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2532.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NVrBo35QjQU/XPVh-tjnXcI/AAAAAAAAA_E/HNvxHpQfYQgyit-2Zh8Bxm-xmUR_0ovSQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2532.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Antoine at the Only Lyon sign beside the Mus<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">é</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">e des Confluences, which also shows off Lyon as one of the European Capitals of Smart Tourism for 2019. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFuKYRyISU4/XPVh-lDWkhI/AAAAAAAAA_I/H6yP1s6pU4U_SGxC94V8xd4_4xjKtDjCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2162.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFuKYRyISU4/XPVh-lDWkhI/AAAAAAAAA_I/H6yP1s6pU4U_SGxC94V8xd4_4xjKtDjCwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_2162.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fellow Honors student, Lexi, and I outside of Buckingham Palace in London with our dragons Antoine and Rory!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
At the time, I genuinely could not
imagine saying goodbye. That’s all I did for the last few days of the semester;
To my host university, to some of the best friends I have ever made in my life,
and soon after, Lyon. I couldn’t imagine not walking through the train station
each morning to get to campus, not smelling the fresh baguettes and pain au
chocolat at the bakery along the way. I think that is definitely one of the
things I miss the most already because it became such a routine that it is
weird not to have those sights and smells anymore. A part of me was ready to be
home, yet another part of me was torn about leaving. So far, being home has not
been too big of an adjustment. One day, I did almost forget where I was and try
to give someone euros instead of dollars, but other than that it feels nice to
have familiarity. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN0cKPniHMg/XPVh_4M-lJI/AAAAAAAAA_U/XHkxquvk68Izg2By3omyYGIxeelvx9NRQCEwYBhgL/s1600/image_123986672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN0cKPniHMg/XPVh_4M-lJI/AAAAAAAAA_U/XHkxquvk68Izg2By3omyYGIxeelvx9NRQCEwYBhgL/s640/image_123986672.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some classmates and I after a wine tasting in the Beaujolais region of France.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crZJop4BlW0/XPVh-uYZHVI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/Vt0YeVL4dsEGlfUzTMZNgC1Ox8D8fomrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/3d3e8eb7-0594-480a-93eb-5fd077b4a333.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-crZJop4BlW0/XPVh-uYZHVI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/Vt0YeVL4dsEGlfUzTMZNgC1Ox8D8fomrwCEwYBhgL/s640/3d3e8eb7-0594-480a-93eb-5fd077b4a333.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Some of my favorite travel buddies, Ally, Lisa, and Makayla, and I living our Cheetah Girls fantasy at Park G<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">ell in Barcelona. </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When I sit back and think about it,
what I went through was utterly insane. To be entirely transparent, the first
few days before orientation were difficult. I flew into France on December 30<sup>th</sup>
and knowing no one there meant spending New Year’s Eve alone. I struggled to
find the courage to even go to a grocery store because I feared sounding stupid
when I tried to speak French. After orientation, all of this changed. I
instantly made friends, some of which I will probably know for the rest of my
life. I became more confident in my speaking abilities and even spoke about the
United States to elementary school kids who were just beginning to learn
English. I started traveling almost every weekend and saw seven different
countries. I tasted some of the best food in the world, much of which was right
in my host city (Lyon is the food capital of France). On top of all of this, my
dragon, Antoine, whom all of my study abroad friends adored, got to tag right along
with me through the whole experience. Now, having been home for some time, I
realize how truly lucky I am to have had an experience which made saying
goodbye so immensely difficult.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYimZ_0X180/XPVh_ZxbOEI/AAAAAAAAA_k/i5aUwnhHTJgbt0whWO_wmI65edNLDCH4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6150.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYimZ_0X180/XPVh_ZxbOEI/AAAAAAAAA_k/i5aUwnhHTJgbt0whWO_wmI65edNLDCH4wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_6150.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found Wall-E and Eve in Disneyland Paris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I cannot wait to bring back all the
knowledge I have gained and the experiences I have had to UNCG with me in the
Spring, but first, I’m off to Walt Disney World to complete the Disney College
Program in the Fall! Thank you to everyone at UNCG and the Honors College who
has supported and encouraged me as I embark on all these crazy adventures. I
would not be half the person I am without all of you. If you want to see all of
Antoine and I’s travels, check out the “abroad.” highlight on my Instagram: @_mirandaroselyn_<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGvyYFYXs7A/XPVh_E2Lz3I/AAAAAAAAA_c/j8cQSvrm2fwv3JQSqUaMiUPm8PluPdWCgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4819.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGvyYFYXs7A/XPVh_E2Lz3I/AAAAAAAAA_c/j8cQSvrm2fwv3JQSqUaMiUPm8PluPdWCgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4819.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any Game of Thrones fans recognize Kings Landing behind us? Dubrovnik, Croatia is not only a beautiful tourist destination but a major filming location for the famous HBO show!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Au revoir et <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">à</span> bient<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ô</span>t!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-13584424236822111962019-05-22T10:23:00.000-07:002019-05-22T10:23:34.784-07:00Matthew in England!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Hi. I’m Matthew
Pusic, a junior majoring in media studies with a minor in radio. I’m studying
at the University of Hull in Hull, United Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I live in university housing in the
neighboring village of Cottingham, a short bus ride away from the university. I
share my block with other exchange students from all over the world. Many of us
became friends and that helped make those first few transitional weeks a bit
easier as we all had to get acclimated and had to go through orientation
together. Since getting off the plane, the semester has been full of new
people, places and experiences that have pushed me out of my comfort zone as I
began to adjust and explore.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7bxCyt6wxcA/XOWDXXAxAYI/AAAAAAAAA94/on7vd54FW0MZzIjpXV02MvbG4w9bSV27QCLcBGAs/s1600/602e77eb-6160-457a-91ff-3a95c0c3ab81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7bxCyt6wxcA/XOWDXXAxAYI/AAAAAAAAA94/on7vd54FW0MZzIjpXV02MvbG4w9bSV27QCLcBGAs/s640/602e77eb-6160-457a-91ff-3a95c0c3ab81.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fellow exchange students and I at Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Classes were
exhausting at first due to the much longer class periods. Despite that, they
have been fascinating. Part of the reason I chose Hull was because many of the
classes were studies of Hollywood from an international perspective and that
intrigued me. The majority of my classes are studies of Disney and American
animation from Betty Boop and Mickey Mouse to South Park and The Simpsons. I
never thought I’d be watching cartoons for class!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7b59uHj41c/XOWDfAKwq7I/AAAAAAAAA-I/PeZ4UA-tCv0gFN5lRDXW7fbCpVnpDWJdACEwYBhgL/s1600/RSCN1797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7b59uHj41c/XOWDfAKwq7I/AAAAAAAAA-I/PeZ4UA-tCv0gFN5lRDXW7fbCpVnpDWJdACEwYBhgL/s640/RSCN1797.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dragon and I in the Vatican of Easter Sunday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Over
my first couple of months I mainly explored my host country. Whether it was in
the city center of Hull or a train ride away in Edinburgh, York, or Loch Ness,
the UK has such a vibrant history. Whether it was just the old buildings as I
walked down the old streets or the museums and castles, I tried to take in as
much as I could- and take many pictures too! Recently I have made it to the
continent. I’m currently on spring break and just returned from a week in
Venice and Rome. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b17iIFUHUCg/XOWDXV5MvZI/AAAAAAAAA-A/zs84JdjWmus0HdkUB1hOzUYioxdRkSWOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/798db5d7-4df5-4c35-ab35-347650c5590e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="895" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b17iIFUHUCg/XOWDXV5MvZI/AAAAAAAAA-A/zs84JdjWmus0HdkUB1hOzUYioxdRkSWOwCEwYBhgL/s640/798db5d7-4df5-4c35-ab35-347650c5590e.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canals of Venice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
As my semester is
beginning to wind down, I look forward to doing some more traveling before my
return trip home. It has been a challenging yet incredible adventure. I cannot
believe that almost four years ago I was writing my application to the honors
college to be here. From then to now all I can say is that it was well worth
it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-9553718050527772782019-05-16T08:20:00.001-07:002019-05-16T08:20:51.245-07:00Cameron in Uruguay!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">Cameron in Uruguay!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN">Here’s
to spreading your wings, falling, soaring, and all of the moments in between.</span></i><span lang="EN"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">My name is Cameron and I am studying abroad in
Montevideo, Uruguay at Universidad de Montevideo (UM). I looked forward to
studying abroad because I was dying to travel outside of the United States
since I was a little girl. Having lived in the same small town for 14 years, I
was more than ready to leave (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">so I thought)</i>. When I got in line to go
through security at the airport and turned to say goodbye to my family for what
seemed like the fifth time, I realized that they were already gone. I felt a
pit in my stomach that I would never forget and I didn’t know this then but
that feeling would stick with me for days to come. I had images in my mind as
to what my first few days in Uruguay would be like, but my true experiences did
not match up to the picture-perfect expectations in my head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">I didn’t know that I would spend my first days
in Uruguay feeling so alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">I didn’t expect to fail having a conversation
in Spanish with my host mom and with locals all around me after spending 2
years learning Spanish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">I didn’t anticipate the difficulties of
completing simple tasks in a different country; going for a walk, buying
groceries, and taking a bus all suddenly became incredibly daunting and
mentally exhausting tasks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypysECK-f5o/XN14UxUlY6I/AAAAAAAAA88/eB1rSge3Ywo_tbUsyJ2VilMSUxOzo_0sACLcBGAs/s1600/Casapueblo%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypysECK-f5o/XN14UxUlY6I/AAAAAAAAA88/eB1rSge3Ywo_tbUsyJ2VilMSUxOzo_0sACLcBGAs/s640/Casapueblo%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi MTV! Welcome to my crib! (Casapueblo in Maldonado, Uruguay)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><br />To me, studying abroad is a lot like riding a
roller coaster; you initially think it is a great idea, wait in line, mentally
prepare yourself, buckle up, wait for crew instructions, and can hardly contain
your excitement for the ride to start. Then, as soon as you feel the roller
coaster carts move on the tracks, the doubts and fears you tried so hard to
push down suddenly appear at the forefront of your mind. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What have I done? Why did I choose a place that doesn’t speak English?
What if I don’t make friends? What if I make a complete fool out of myself
trying to speak Spanish? Are my friends and family going to be okay without me?
What will I be missing out on? What if it isn’t everything I thought it would
be? </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWy0-xPF9Oo/XN14bqcoPKI/AAAAAAAAA9U/3mGRbexfwGg95-GEei6Z1DDwhCQwtEg2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0375-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWy0-xPF9Oo/XN14bqcoPKI/AAAAAAAAA9U/3mGRbexfwGg95-GEei6Z1DDwhCQwtEg2ACEwYBhgL/s640/DSC_0375-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12.8px;">On top
of Intendencia de Montevideo where you can get a free 360 view of Montevideo! I
am pictured with friends from all over the world. From L to R: Emmanuel
(Uruguay), Juan (Argentina), Me, Janneke (Netherlands), René (Germany), and
Marie (France). The cup in my hand is called "mate", a very popular
beverage in Uruguay. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">However, after that first incline when you are
sitting at the top waiting to drop, you start to realize that there is really
nothing you can do except adjust, breathe, and ride it out until the end. Then,
you descend quickly; you loop, twist, turn, go backwards and you feel all of
this adrenaline, excitement, and joy! But before you know it, the ride is over.
When the ride ends, you recognize that the decision you made was a great one.
You experienced something incredibly thrilling and you would have never known
it had you skipped the rollercoaster, gave into your fears, or tried to make yourself
seem too short to ride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">It has been almost two months since arriving
in Uruguay and according to my countdown clock, I have approximately 3 months
and some days before returning to the United States. Truly though, I haven’t
been checking as often anymore; I dread it now. After some time, I have
realized that studying abroad and choosing Uruguay was one of the greatest
choices I have ever made. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">I didn’t expect to make lifelong friendships
with people from various countries all over the globe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">I didn’t know that I would hike gorgeous
landscapes in Patagonia, visit beautiful beaches in Punta del Este, volunteer
with other UM students in Minas, and continue to further explore Uruguay. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">I didn’t anticipate to find myself in Uruguay
or to grow to love life in Montevideo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An international students school trip to Punta del Este, Uruguay would not be complete without taking a picture at Los Dedos (the fingers). </td></tr>
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<span lang="EN">This may have not been the blog that you
imagined yourself reading. I realize that, in stark contrast to my colleagues,
I admitted to some hard truths about a semester abroad. At the beginning (and
even the middle and end of your experience), you will feel threatened,
insecure, frustrated, anxious, nervous, and/or homesick; that is completely
normal. Those feelings are what make you human and that is what makes your
experience so unique. One of the best truths that I can share with you though
is that you will not always feel this way. It will get better. You will make
friends. You will enjoy your time. Your friends and family still love you back
home and think about you every second; don’t worry about them too much though,
they still have their own lives. You may have gotten yourself into something
completely new, but that doesn’t make it bad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dragon, Frijole, in front of the great mountains of San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia, Argentina. We traveled together throughout Argentina for Semana Santa (Holy Week), or as known in Uruguay: Semana Turismo (Tourism Week). </td></tr>
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<span lang="EN"><br />It may seem scary at first but try to enjoy
every second and constantly find yourself in the presence of wonder. And for
those moments where you cannot seem to find an ounce of joy, dare to learn.
Then, prepare for the next ride and do it all over again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6079591939235101336.post-12114878761354866882019-05-02T12:04:00.000-07:002019-05-02T12:04:39.753-07:00Lexi in Glasgow!<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hello! My name is Lexi Raphael and I am a junior double-majoring in Accounting and Finance currently studying at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. I am super lucky to be studying at Strathclyde’s renowned business school this semester. As I write this, finals season is now in full swing and the weather is finally warming up - spring has sprung here in the UK! The exam period for Strathclyde students is really long compared to UNCG’s, with a full five weeks dedicated to studying and taking our final exams. So now I am able to take the time to reflect on this truly incredible experience and share with you what my life has been like in Glasgow. When my LIHC dragon, Rory, and I arrived in Glasgow I had no idea what this semester was going to be like, but I was so excited to get started on this wonderful journey.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dragon, Rory (which means "red king" in Gaelic) and I ready to fly to Glasgow.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rory visits the famous arches underneath the University of Glasgow.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I arrived in early January it was quite cold in Scotland and the sun would set as early as 4:30pm which was hard to get used to, especially being in a brand new place. However, Glasgow itself is an incredible city that is full of history as well as the strangest creatures - also known as Glaswegians. “People Make Glasgow” is the city’s official motto and could not be more true. I have met the most funny, warm, and welcoming people while staying in Glasgow. Glaswegians are natural storytellers and are always willing to talk (especially if there is a pint involved). They love to go out and have a good time almost to a fault. I say Glaswegians are strange because some of the stories I have been told are so weird they have to be true. Glasgow is kind of a weird place: from eating ground-up sheep organs cooked inside its own stomach (haggis is not actually that bad), to placing traffic cones on the heads of all the statues in the city, to the insane lingo that makes the Glaswegian accent practically its own language. But, I was really happy to find that despite Glasgow being a large city, the biggest in Scotland, the people are just as friendly as the ones in the South. I have also made friends with people from around the world, including two of my lovely flatmates (even though they are actually also Americans). Who knew that I would be able to call people from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, and Denmark my friends?</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself, my two flatmates from California, and our friend from Australia.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my friends and I on a night out!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The rest of Scotland is just as remarkable as Glasgow, with amazing sights and a landscape that could bring tears to any nature lover. I have been able to travel all over the Highlands to places like the mountains of Glencoe, the ruins of Dunnottar Castle overlooking the ocean, and one of the most beautiful places on Earth - the Isle of Skye, a small island off the Western coast of mainland Scotland. There is so much Scottish history attached to every place in Scotland with castles and old forts scattered across the country. Even without it, the stunning lochs (Scottish term for lake) and mountains are reason enough to come to Scotland. There have been multiple movies, shows, and music videos filmed all around Scotland like Harry Potter, Outlander, and James Bond: Skyfall just to name a few. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing the ruins of Dunnottar Castle with a great view of the ocean.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing the Old Man of Storr in the Isle of Skye.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have also been super lucky to fulfill my life-long dream of traveling across Europe to the cities I have wanted to visit for years. With my semester abroad being over in just a few short weeks, I am really happy that I was able to see all of the places on my “To-See List” while I was here. Other than places in Scotland, I have been to London, Amsterdam, Reykjavik, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Prague, Krakow, and the Canary Islands. (I am tired just typing that). I am so grateful to both the Lloyd International Honors College and UNCG for making my study abroad experience possible. Scotland has been an adventure of a lifetime and I already cannot wait until I come back to visit. If you want to follow my travel adventures or even ask me some questions about going abroad follow me on Instagram @lexiraphael. Goodbye!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rory and I taking in the views of Reykjavik, Iceland!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0