Sevilla: “Life Begins Where Fear Ends”

Courtney Fraley is a student at Baldwin Wallace University and is an ISA Classmates Connecting Cultures  blogger corresponding with a her study abroad office at Baldwin Wallace. Courtney is studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain on an ISA Spring 1 program.

Me, right before a flight from Dublin to Madrid. You have to be flexible when you travel. You might even have to wear 3 scarves so your bag makes the measurement restrictions.
Me, right before a flight from Dublin to Madrid. You have to be flexible when you travel. You might even have to wear 3 scarves so your bag makes the measurement restrictions.

Hey, mom! Did you get my postcard?“- I asked.

“Yes, I did, but, you sent it in January and it just got to us in March. It took more than 6 weeks to get here!” – She replied.

[Awkward pause] “Actually, it only took a week. I wrote the post card in January with the whole-hearted intention of sending it, but I was too scared to buy stamps. I, finally, mustered up enough courage at the end of February to go, but, then, I was too scared to put it in the correo box so that took another week. Now, you have it and the next time I send one it will not take as long.

Yes, it took me almost a month and a half to find the courage to buy stamps. I made every excuse in the book not to go: it’s raining, my feet hurt, there is dog poop on the sidewalk, I cannot cross the street, the list goes on and on. The thought of asking someone I did not know, in Spanish, for stamps made me quiver with fear. For those of you who do not know me, I am not a timid person and I always go after what I want with confidence and determination so this was not normal and some times very frustrating.

I knew before I studied abroad that I would really need to push myself to step outside of my comfort zone in order to take advantage of everything this opportunity had to offer, but some times it just seemed too hard.

Kindness goes a long way. In Gibraltar, you might even make friends with a few hairy monkeys that jump on your shoulder and try to eat your hair.
Kindness goes a long way. In Gibraltar, you might even make friends with a few hairy monkeys that jump on your shoulder and try to eat your hair.

I chose to study abroad in Sevilla because of the eccentric culture and vibrant enthusiasm. I wanted to become a part of it, to really dive-in head first and be a Sevillana  (a person that lives in Sevilla). Once I reflected on the fact that I was keeping myself from vital experiences, I held my breathe, closed my eyes, and jumped right in!

There is no better way for me to learn how to be a part of the Sevillana culture than from the Sevillanos themselves. They have a distinct flair about them that makes them unique and personable. They have virtues that I have been able to learn and apply in order to fully grasp the Sevillana culture and my study abroad experience.

 I found my confidence and strutted my stuff in Cordoba.
I found my confidence and strutted my stuff in Cordoba.

My professor in my Cultural Anthropology of Andalucia class told us that Sevillanos just want to live life and live it well.  I have learned that they do this by being confident, kind, and flexible. Surprisingly enough, what I learned about the people was exactly what I needed in order to push aside my fears and enjoy this experience. Since then, I have been mistaken for a Sevillana several times, figured out the bus system, asked for directions, and made a Spanish friend. I just needed to hone in on my inner Spanish self.

I can do it! Learning this from the Sevillanos has made it possible for me to open up my mind and heart to this experience. I was able to rediscover the confidence and courage I once had in order to face a new culture and way of life. I hope I can continue to grow in these newly acquired virtues for the rest of my time in Sevilla and apply them to my life when I return home.

Life begins where fear ends.”

Pure joy and thankfulness in Ireland.
Pure joy and thankfulness in Ireland.

Hasta luego,

Courtney

2 thoughts

  1. Hey Courtney!

    First of all, your pictures in this blog are absolutely adorable! You look like you are having a blast!

    I totally understand that feeling of wanting to jump in, but being fearful of taking that leap of faith. I’m so glad you have chosen to just go for it, even when every part of you doesn’t want to. That’s the best way to grow, and the best way to discover new things about yourself that you never knew before!

    I’m also excited to see that you’re doing more traveling out of Spain to places like Ireland! You’re really embracing every part of the study abroad experience! Keep enjoying yourself, and keep growing :)

    ~Tori

    1. Hola Tori,

      Hope you are having a lovely spring semester!! I am falling more and more in love with the beautiful city of Sevilla. I could not be any happier or more thankful such as opportunity! I only have 5 weeks left. Yikes! This semester has just flown by. So much left do and so little time!!

      I can’t wait to share more of my experience with you when I get back!

      Courtney

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