Julia Chernicky is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and an ISA Featured Blogger. Julia is currently studying abroad with ISA in Granada, Spain.
8 months ago, I was in the same position as I am now. I was getting ready to leave, and question what I should take with me. I was constantly asking myself, “What will I not be able to live without? What am I forgetting? What do I need to do before leaving?” I am asking myself these same questions now, except I’m on the other side leaving from a different world with a drastically changed outlook on life. This time, I am worried about forgetting memories and lessons, instead of my favorite shirt and a pair of shoes for every occasion.
This year has been a dream. Traveling has been a part of my life in the past, and will be in the future, but actually living in this culture for a year has taken my understanding of the world so much farther. I have appreciated seeing America from an outside perspective. Learning about what it was like growing up in Spain, with a history including Franco’s dictatorship and many civil wars, and brilliant artists and writers to preserve it all forever, has been priceless. I read about Frederico Garcia Lorca, who is from Granada, and then walked among the caves in Sacramonte and mingled with the gitanos that he wrote beautiful metaphors about. I lived in Malaga, and walked by the house Picasso was born in. I have lived in a country where greatness sprung from simple beginnings, and it has humbled me and left me in awe.
I was scared to come here, 8 months ago. I had never been to mainland Europe, didn’t know anything about Spain, and had never heard of Malaga or Granada except when I applied to the programs. I didn’t know anyone, and I didn’t know the language. I’m leaving with friends who I will miss so dearly, with others that I still talk to even though we are thousands of miles apart, and with a first-hand knowledge of customs and places I otherwise would never have known about. Though I am not fluent, I can understand more Spanish than I ever thought I would and can get by communicating simple phrases with locals, and can be proud every time I learn a little bit more.
I have confirmed that I am a European at heart, and will return someday, but for now, adios España, y gracias por todo!
Thanks for reading my blog posts this year, I hope to meet you somewhere in the world, someday!
Caminante, no hay camino, se hace camino al andar. Wanderer, there is no road. The road is made by walking. -Antonio Machado
Hi ! i found your pic and story really intresting !!
Julia, I was wondering if you could contact me to talk about your study abroad experience. I am going to be a Junior at Creighton University in Omaha. Currently looking at studying abroad in either Malaga or Granada in the spring. Since you have lived in both places I would love to hear your recommendation and ask questions regarding your experiences. Please email me when you get this!
Thanks,
Sam
Hey Sam!! Absolutely! If you friend me on Facebook or email me at juleschern28@yahoo.com I’d be happy to help you choose! :) you really can’t go wrong either way!