When I was a senior in high school, I went on my school's Europe trip where I traveled all across France and Italy. I absolutely fell in love with traveling and knew instantly that I wanted to do more if it. It was then that I decided I wanted to study abroad in college. I knew it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to live in another country and travel to amazing places.

Being abroad helped me develop more empathy and understanding for other cultures. There are many social, political, and societal things that shape a country and its citizens and I think it's important as an American to understand this and realize how unique every country of the world is.

My mind is always focused on being aware of the issues in the world and where I want to travel next to gain new and meaningful life experiences. Being immersed in new cultures and learning through different perspectives can be so enlightening and eye-opening. I've always known I want to study abroad, I just needed to go for it!

My study abroad experience has affected my career goals by making me more motivated.  It has given me the confidence to pursue more learning, not just academically but culturally, and to explore the society around me. It has also given me confidence to expand my horizons by networking with more people and sharing ideas and knowledge.

I made lifelong friends most of whom I am still in touch with today. I tune into Australian news online because I find it intriguing and funny. I learned new marketing trends that I was exposed to when I was abroad before it even trended in the US. Also, when I was down in Brisbane, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales was filming down at the Gold Coast! How cool is that?