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Making the decision to study abroad has been one of the
most influential decisions that I have
ever made. Not only has it shaped my professional career
and educational pursuits, but it has changed my
perspective about other cultures, how I identify myself,
and life in general.
Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to travel and to
make a difference internationally; I just did not know
how to go about doing it. Upon entering college at
Auburn University, I was very inquisitive and anxious to
make “it” happen (“it” being anything that I wanted to
do but was previously too nervous or apprehensive to
try). One day I saw a poster advertising for the study
abroad department, and it just seemed right to me to go
to the department and to obtain more information about
studying abroad. Upon going there I met with Ms. Joan
Layne, and that one fateful encounter has changed my
life.
Since that time, I have been to London, England twice on
two different programs with Auburn Abroad (CEA and AIU).
I also visited six other countries in Europe (France,
Italy, Spain, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands).
Furthermore, I got the opportunity to intern for
esteemed fashion designer Stella McCartney (who is owned
by Gucci Group), and to meet with and work for other
prominent people.
Although I would like to romanticize the process, and
make it sound easy and nothing but fun times, I must
admit that initially it was one of the most difficult
times I have endured. I had to learn to live with people
I had never met in a foreign country, to accept the
lifestyles and values of those who I knew nothing about,
and most importantly, how to leave my friends and family
back home and to realize that this was something I
wanted to do - for me. It was tough, but after a couple
of months I began to understand and appreciate others
and myself and to realize that being different is what
makes us unique; it makes us beautiful.
 After traveling abroad in Europe, I got the desire to do
more. Not just to get from others, but to give back to
them as well. Because of this, last year I traveled to
Ghana, Africa (stopping for a while in Nigeria) and
interned at a international development agency that
assists orphans, vulnerable children, and AIDs/HIV
victims. I also volunteered at an orphanage and watched
as little children who had little tried to share what
little they had with me.
Although I am only twenty three years old, I will soon
be graduating from college and have already traveled and
lived in three different continents during this time.
Next year, I hope to add to that number with another
country/continent, and I am confident that this would
have never happened without the support of the Auburn
Abroad Study Abroad Department, Ms. Layne, or the
passion and drive within me. Because of that poster, and
my desire to make “it” happen, I now have opportunities
to impact others and to watch as they impact me. I am a
better person because of my experiences, and I am
constantly seeking new ways to better society; both
domestically and internationally. I found who I am – War
Eagle!
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