The wide-eyed adventurer, not the passive tourist

Growing up, I've had many opportunities to travel, both within and without the United States. Several of my fondest memories with my family have been made whilst abroad. However, reading Rick Steve's thoughts on engaged and open-minded travelling has opened my eyes to the reality that there can be so much more depth and richness to the travel experience than I had ever realized. Travelling truly should be an experience, one that transforms and holds meaning; it is such an incredible opportunity to open yourself up to the beauty of the world we live in, and to be changed because of it. And so, I want to make this opportunity to study abroad and experience that truly changes me. I want to immerse myself completely in the experience, rather than being held back by the typical tourist mentality.

Goal # 1: Connect with People

Individuals and the connections we make with them are so central to everything that gives a life meaning and makes it worth living. Many of the most meaningful experiences I've had in my life have been centered on relationships and connecting with other people. As such, I want to make human connection a foundational aspect of my study abroad experience. My goal is to capitalize on my interactions with those I come into contact with while abroad. I want to savor them and value them as highly as they deserve to be. People are incredible, and they deserve to be valued, no matter how different they may seem, or how inconvenient the interaction may be.

Goal #2: Learn to Value Diversity

Going along with my first goal, to make an extra effort to connect with people while abroad, my second goal is to teach myself to value diversity. I have often said that our differences, the things that set us apart from one another, are the very things that make humanity and the human experience so beautiful. The fact that we all bring unique characteristics, beliefs, and thoughts to the orchestra of humanity is precisely what makes the music so beautiful and cohesive. However, it has recently been brought to my attention that though I voice these opinions, my thoughts and actions don't always line up with these claims. I am more inclined to value people and ideas that are similar to my own, and I have a tendency to be hesitant in truly accepting and appreciating people and ideas that are different. And so, I want to be intentional in choosing to embrace and truly value diversity.

Goal #3: Be Open to New Experiences

This third goal will likely be the hardest for me to follow through with, as I sometimes have a tendency to talk big about taking risks and trying new experiences, without really having the follow-through to support my lofty claims and ideals. But I want to be better about that with this opportunity to study abroad. With every step outside of my comfort zone, however small it may be, the barrier expands, thus allowing my realm of comfortable things and experiences to encompass more than it did before. While abroad, I intend to do at least three things that stretch the limits of my comfort zone every week. I will be intentional in choosing these experiences, purposefully choosing to push myself to do things that I would at first thought shy away from.

It is my hope that by actually following through with these goals, I will be able to transform this study abroad experience into something that transforms me. I want my time in London and the surrounding countries to be so much more than a super cool chapter in the story of my life; I want it to be a defining time.

-Em