My group of students and I had just arrived in Salzburg, Austria to blue skies and warm weather. I needed some alone time after some stressful travel (16 year olds in a foreign environment will challenge the patience of even the most practiced monks), so I wandered the city to stretch my legs and enjoy the freedom.

This was my 3rd time in Salzburg, so I had seen most of the tourist attractions; however, an idea struck. Since THE SOUND OF MUSIC is my all-time favorite movie musical, I challenged myself to a photo scavenger hunt to find all the things in “My Favorite Things.” I found Raindrops on Roses in the Mirabell gardens, Whiskers on Kittens on a hand-painted toy in a local shop, Creme Colored Ponies riding through the streets, and a Bright Copper Kettle in an antique shop. It was a time I enjoyed living in the moment and relaxed with the sights and sounds of a beautiful town nestled gently between the rolling hills around the Alps.

I was a high school teacher for five years, teaching International Baccalaureate theatre courses and general English. While Global Experiences internships are very much so an educational experience, I had to learn the ins and outs of universities, visas, credits, and career paths. When I speak to students and people interested in working abroad, I have developed a confidence to connect with them personally and illustrate for them what their future adventure could look like.

I also had never been exposed to CliftonStrengths, which has been a game changer in both my professional and personal life. My strengths are Individualization, Futuristic, Restorative, Activator, and Relator. I had finally found a way to articulate my strengths and found it brilliant that Global Experiences uses this system to guide the intern's experience. Positive psychology for the win!