Best thing I’ve ever done

I originally made the decision to study abroad because I felt like I was living the same day on repeat. I anticipated this trip would make me more adaptable and I would get to experience different cultures. But it beyond exceeded my expectations; it forced me to grow as a person on so many different levels. We were immersed into so many different ways of living and outlooks on life. I have never been one to get “excited” or really invested into learning, but this trip completely shifted that for me. We learned about events, people, places, etc. and became experts on those topics. It’s one thing to hear about an event and its impact as a statistic, but being there, seeing how people live, and talking to those behind the numbers makes it feel real. Beyond the cultures we got to experience, the people I met along the way is what truly made this trip even more amazing. Almost of us knew each other before the trip, and we all clicked immediately. Everyone became like family after the first 24 hours. I have been home now for about a month and I have thought about the trip every day since. From this experience I’ve gained new perspectives on the world, but also lifelong friendships.