I studied abroad twice, once in the Netherlands and once in Italy. Both times I studied each country’s signed languages, which will help me be more qualified as an ASL interpreter and make me a more attractive employee. With this experience, I will also have travel work opportunities.

Study abroad taught me that no matter who you are or where you are from, the sky's the limit. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something or go where you want to go! Believing in yourself will produce unbelievable results. Learn how to get out of that comfort zone and "become comfortable with being uncomfortable".

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? 

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!

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.