Olivia Schmidt is a student at Westminster College and an ISA Featured Blogger. She studied abroad with ISA in Sevilla, Spain.
- I take action. I am a leader. I am a doer. Studying abroad has made me take life by the reigns and just go for it. Whether that be in class or in making plans with friends, I take lead of whatever the task may be.
- My mind has been opened. Not that I was closed-minded before, but talking with my host mom every day at lunch and dinner, listening to my professors’ lectures, and talking with new friends from near and far, I have learned so much.
- I am more laid back and less preoccupied. I have realized that there are more important things in life and I have learned to refocus that energy in a healthier, more productive manner.
- I am willing to take risks. To me, it was risky to order a serving of gelato because I was afraid of looking silly or not being understood. This is a small example, but I am proud of my ability to now order that gelato without a hitch.
Study abroad has opened my eyes, mind, ears and heart to new ways of thinking and life. I will be forever thankful for the skills I have gained during these past 3 months and for all of the things I have learned that have not been from the pages of a textbook. I fully believe I have grown immensely as a person during my time abroad and that all of these newfound skills and ways of thinking will aid me on whatever path I choose to follow in life.
The world awaits…discover it.