Since Freshman year, I’ve always given considerable thought to studying abroad even though it seemed out my reach. However, through the encouragement of the Gilman International Scholarship, the National Society of Leadership & Sucess, and study abroad staff, my dream of traveling abroad became a reality. I had the opportunity of a lifetime to see and breathe in the richness of a new culture first hand.

 

Many times, I felt excitement at the highest and purest level ever imaginable from the continuous jolts of the plane going to Ireland and as I walked the streets of Dublin my first day with classmates. It was both exciting, scary, and enlightening. The most difficult part of my trip was adjusting to the time difference since Ireland is six hours ahead of the United States and most importantly trusting myself enough to get lost into the culture with no expectations whatsoever. They say doing the things that scare you the most, makes you stronger. I knew that I was strong the moment I decided to complete study abroad and convince my family of the wonderful opportunity. There were days where I was tired from running to clinical site visits across the city or neighboring cities, but I always had a big smile plastered on my face just watching the beauty of it all before me. Sometimes I had to remember to rest, so I felt recharged to take on even more exploring. The nervousness of the unknown at first eventually ebbed away, the more I began to make friends and share my own culture with Irish natives. This was my first time studying abroad and traveling alone outside the county alone, which was thrilling.

 

My study abroad experience in Ireland for the UF Arts in Medicine Program can best be defined as an “Awakening”. An awakening of the mind, body, and spirit. Potential ready to be unlocked as I began to face the fear of immersing myself in a new culture on my journey. These fears involved me getting lost frequently around the city and adjusting to the difference in traffic flow, so I would not get run over. Learning the currency and Irish expressions were a source of constant worry, but it taught me independence. As time passed, I noticed how I sought out every opportunity possible to learn as much as I could about Irish culture.

 

The benefits of my personal cultural exploration experience made me learn how to be independent and more self-assured of myself even if things did not go as planned.  I’ve always been either too caught up reflecting on the past or planning for the future that I forget to live in the moment. I mostly definitely value cultural exploration now as a fundamental trait for me because it forced me out of my comfort zone and to be more curious about the things that puzzled me. When you’re thrown into an environment that is new, strange, and diverse, it forces you to shift how your mind works. It’s not solely about my own personal values, but about having a genuine willingness to be more receptive in showing appreciation for others with different perspectives. The skill I learned to improve upon each day as a lifelong lesson while on my trip and even now is adaptability, which is very challenging especially with new experiences. My cultural exploration of the Irish culture made me approach situations with a clear mind by not having high expectations. Easier said than done, but it made a huge impact on my life as I began to understand that some things in life are not always under my control and to embrace diversity.

 

I know what it feels like to be trapped mentally by limiting oneself from chasing after opportunities due to personal and financial restrictions. However, I took a chance to see the magical experience awaiting me as I started the study abroad process and applied to the Gilman Scholarship and many others to attend my magical journey. You can too!