People to People (2011)
In 2011, I participated in a study abroad experience through the People to People Student Ambassador high school student program. People to People was founded in 1954 by President Eisenhower in order to increase understanding and acceptance between the world's youth through travel and first hand interaction. The trip spanned three weeks, and was not only the first time I had been out of the country, but also the first time I had been away from home for that amount of time. Throughout the days we spent touring and traveling Spain, France, and Italy I managed to meet a wonderful homestay family, visit basilicas in Barcelona, touch the stones of the Roman Colosseum and Forum, rappel down a 100 foot high castle wall, break boards, and make friendships of a lifetime. It was also during this trip that I decided I loved to travel, and in doing so, experience all of the wonderful things which traveling has to offer. This trip was where I discovered my love of learning about other cultures through first hand interaction, and through the bonds created by friendship and camaraderie. I cannot express how lucky and grateful I am to have had this opportunity to open my eyes to the larger world around me and the understanding that through learning more about the wide world and others who live in it, I can learn more about myself and take steps necessary to realize and follow through with my goals.