seeing the world

This year, I was honored to have the opportunity to study and volunteer in 3 different countries over the course of 6 months and complete 19 credits total. I have so many things that I could say about the transformative months I have had, but it all summarizes into two words: Gratitude and Growth.

I began this journey by living in a rainforest in the middle of the mountains of Monteverde, Costa Rica, gathering and analyzing data about biodiversity, engaging in transformative conversations discussing climate change, learning how to cook Gallo Pinto, and practicing my Spanish with the many locals I met through weekly Latin Dancing at a local community center.

After an immensely fulfilling time, I made my way to Copenhagen, Denmark, learning about Hygge, discussing global environmental policy and analyzing renewable energy solutions, adopting the Danish biking culture, and learning about how individuals’ psychology and personal interactions are heavily influenced by culture.

After four months I didn’t think more time traveling could add to how satisfied I felt with what I had learned. As transformative as Costa Rica and Copenhagen had been, my time in Cape Town, South Africa was truly enlightening. From learning about the Economics of Wine and Wine Business, to teaching 3-9 year old kids through volunteering 90 hours at several Early Child Development (ECD) schools throughout Langa, to feeding elephants, learning pieces of Afrikaans, cooking Chakalaka and painting buildings with Capetonians, hiking Lion’s Head at 3am, learning how to dance to Amapiano, having several eye-opening conversations about the history of South Africa, and more, I couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful way to conclude my journey around the world.

Through everything, gratitude remained at the forefront of all of the growth I experienced every day. It was an honor to etch the diverse cultures, languages, traditions, foods, and people into my memory forever. There aren’t enough words to describe the incredible people and experiences that I feel lucky to have faced, but I am forever grateful for the opportunities that I have received. Now, I will take the memories that I have, the growth I have experienced, and the knowledge I have gained into whatever path I pursue, and I am looking forward for what is to come.

An immense thank you to every single person that I interacted with on this journey – you have truly shaped who I have become.