I spent the last month traveling through Europe, and looking back, it still feels surreal. From the busy streets of London to the peaceful mountains of Austria, every stop along the way taught me something new. I didn’t set out on this trip expecting personal growth. I mostly just wanted to explore and experience new places. But as the days went on, I started to notice small shifts in how I thought and how I felt.
One of the biggest things I learned was how to be present. In Austria, we walked through quiet towns and rode trains that wound through green hills and snow-capped mountains. There was no rush, no pressure to be doing a hundred things at once. Just stillness. I found myself noticing things I usually ignore including the way the light hits the water, the sound of birds in the morning, and the feeling of fresh air in my lungs. It made me realize how much I miss when I am focused on what’s next instead of what’s right in front of me.
There were definitely moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone. We dealt with language barriers, long travel days, and missed connections. But those moments forced me to be adaptable and patient. I learned how to problem-solve without panicking and how to rely on the people around me. I saw the importance of community, even in unfamiliar places.
One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was meeting people from completely different backgrounds and hearing their stories. Whether it was a tour guide in Italy or a student I met in Germany, I was reminded that everyone is living a life as complex and vivid as my own. That kind of perspective is hard to explain, but it has stayed with me.
After the study abroad program ended, I continued on my own and traveled independently through Spain and Morocco. Navigating unfamiliar cities by myself was both challenging and rewarding, and it gave me even more confidence in my ability to adapt. I flew back to the United States on June 15th, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the adventure and everything I learned along the way.
