My inner dialogue two years ago: “Nope. Never. There’s no way I’m going to participate in a study abroad program. I’m too busy and I’ll never be able to afford it. I’ve never traveled outside the United States. Oh, and by the way, I’m a little afraid of learning a new language at my age.”
My inner dialogue today: Holy cow! I’m in Salamanca, Spain, and I’m having the time of my life! I’m learning the Spanish language in the country of its origin. I’m drinking up the beautiful sights, and embracing the Spanish culture. My Madre in España, my instructors, the administrators at Estudio Sampere, and my peers from St. Petersburg College are new members of my family! Why did I wait so long?
How it happened: Starting in my first semester at St. Petersburg College, I was told taking part in a Study Abroad program would change my life. I became interested, I looked into the program, and I enthusiastically enrolled in Spain Study Abroad. With little effort, I gained “big bucks” to help pay for my trip, and now I’m in Salamanca.
My experience: The Spain Study Abroad program has indeed, changed my life. I am aware of my role as a citizen of the world as I view breathtaking sights and interact with Salamanca’s population. I sense the power in the relationship between the past, the present, and the future as I learn the rich history of Cathedrals, monasteries, gardens in Salamanca, Segovia, and Alberca. But it was our trip to San Sebastian that brought it all together for me. After Spain was liberated from Francisco Franco’s rule, San Sebastian-born artist Eduardo Chillida created and installed the “Wind Combs”, or “Combs of the Wind.” Three massive steel sculptures celebrate the cultural memory, the resilience, and the fierce pride of the Basque people. As I stared at the Wind Combs, I thought about the links that bind our past with our present, and move us toward our future. Now I know I have a responsibility to honor the ingenuity and fortitude of those that have created the beautiful world I live in. I understand that I stand on the shoulders of those that have gone before me, and future generations will stand on my shoulders. I am profoundly grateful that my time in Spain has shed a light on the relationship between the wonders of our past, our ever-changing present, and our hope-filled future.