As I pass the torch to future travelers, I encourage you not to be discouraged, and stand proud knowing that inner strength and conviction, as well as a strong sense of self, are key to withstanding and gaining from new experiences on a global level.
Read MoreI encourage anyone who studies abroad to rise above those who may knowingly or unknowingly make you feel inferior in any situation. Rise above those feelings of inferiority because you are more than worthy enough to be in the same vicinity.
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It’s one thing to travel on a plane to an unfamiliar country, but its absolutely daring, fearless, courageous, adventurous and brave to immerse yourself in a new experience and culture! If you do not grow in some type of way from traveling abroad, you did it wrong.
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There’s a notion that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors don’t have time to study abroad, or many schools will not accept the credits from other institutions because STEM disciplines build on themselves. Without the fundamentals from one course it’s impossible to be successful in subsequent courses. With comparable coursework abroad this doesn’t have to be the case. The most beautiful thing about STEM is that there is no cultural barrier.
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I originally set out for Vienna, Austria with the purpose of studying Music Performance in one of the most well known music capitals of the world. While there, I was also privileged to not only stay in Vienna but also travel to six other nations throughout my time abroad: Budapest Hungary, Prague Czech Republic, Paris France, London England, and Stockholm Sweden. As I applied for the program, applied for the scholarship to go, and booked my trips, I was faced with multiple friends and family members who warned me that some European nations had racist people. They warned me that Austria and some of the other countries did not have a lot black people and had a mass of people who were not comfortable being around those with darker skin tones. Being in the countries both affirmed and disproved these statements.
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The immediate benefit of studying abroad was my return of curiosity that one seems to lose after early childhood. I reawakened my senses that lay dormant for so long. Despite my deep curiosity and excitement for my new surroundings, I knew that I would use each day and opportunity to better myself for my daughter. I ate healthier, read more, exercised daily, and traveled often. The benefit of studying abroad is the attainability of peace that allows for self-discovery. There is no limit to how far you can explore yourself when there is nothing around you but new possibilities. These new possibilities led to my travels around Spain, Morocco, Italy, Scotland, Greece, and the beautiful island of Ibiza. Each country taught me a little more about myself and forced me to realize that I am undoubtedly blessed for the direction my life has taken.
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I grew up a TCK, a Third Culture Kid. A TCK is a child whose lives in and out of foreign countries around the world; we’re born in one culture but raised in different ones for a significant part of our lives. In my case, I was born in Kenya, but I grew up in the United States and in between I lived in Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. I’ve also travelled to Paris, Barcelona, and Dubai. With a dad who works in an international organization, growing up meant traveling and living in different countries other than my country of birth. This has enriched my life experiences, posing both challenges and blessings, making me who I am.
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