The most valuable thing I learned from my study abroad experience in Barcelona is how valuable time is, even how limited it can feel. It is so essential to me now that I use my time meaningfully. After spending the month here participating in firm visits, classes, engaging in cultural activities, meeting new friends, sharing meals, and learning about a brand new city I have never been to, it made me understand how easy it is to let time slip through my fingers. Life to me is now so much more fulfilling when I am intentional with how I use my time. In Barcelona, time moved so much quicker, yet every day felt so rich and full because I was constantly choosing to engage with my surroundings and step out of my comfort zone. I wanted to really be present in this experience through talking with locals, trying foods I would not normally try, and just walking the streets. Life does not wait around; it is better to say yes now, rather than regret saying no later. Beyond that personal awareness, I also realized many cultural differences I want to take back with me to the United States. Spain has a much slower pace of life. There are longer meals shared with others, a lot more walking and time spent outdoors, and a much stronger sense of a work-life balance. So again, it is not about how much I could squeeze into a day, but about how I choose to experience each moment. Making time for relationships, personal enjoyment, and self-reflection (like I am doing now) is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a well-rounded and more fulfilling life. I expect myself to bring this mindset back to the States with me. I want to focus less on how “busy” I am and focus more on experiencing each busy moment as a purposeful step towards something bigger. Additionally, I’ve learned that building relationships in a short amount of time is possible when I am honest, vulnerable, and open to learning. Every firm visit, group activity, and cultural experience gave me much more than academic learning. It showed me the importance of taking time to listen, ask questions, and stay open-minded throughout each interaction. Life is short, but it can be full when lived with intention. I didn’t just learn about Spain here; I learned how to live more fully and appreciate the time I have.
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