Vintage Maps and French Chefs

Photograph by Hannah Schultz

When I was a senior in high school, my Chamber choir went on a tour of Italy and France for two weeks. It was, undoubtedly, one of the best experiences of my life. In fact, sometimes I wish it had been a little less enjoyable, so that I didn't miss it so much. Adventuring around Europe with my best friends, singing in old churches, experiencing new cultures and foods; what could be better? Every part of it was surreal. This poster in my room was bought in Nice, France towards the end of the trip. It actually almost didn't make it back to America with me. I had left it on the other side of a security checkpoint and had to beg an airport employee to retrieve it for me. Thankfully, I was successful.

More than anything, this poster and the vintage maps around my room remind me of my desire to travel the world, and how lucky I've been to do so already. I believe there's something really important about experiencing new cultures and going outside your comfort zone. It challenges who you are and what you think. It shapes character and independence.

Photograph by Hannah Schultz

This coming Fall I'll be going back to Germany to study abroad in the IES European Union program. I'll be living in Freiburg, a city near the borders of France and Switzerland. During this program I'll end up visiting about 12 different European countries. For me, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. As a transfer student, I never thought I'd have the chance or time to study abroad. Now that I can, I'm relishing in the opportunity. I even started following another girl's blog who is in the program right now.

One of the best parts of this program is that I'll be able to study multiculturalism and environmental sustainability in Europe; issues that are affecting the world today. I'm going to get a hands-on, real-world education on the political structure of Europe. Furthermore, this is my chance to finally become fluent in German. Before I was born, my parents lived in Germany for two years. I was also an exchange student there for a month in high school, and have maintained strong ties with my German friends. It has been a goal of mine to become fluent since I was a little girl. I'm counting on this five month immersion to make a significant impact on my language proficiency.

Photography by Hannah Schultz

I'm also counting on this experience to push me far outside my comfort zone. I want to learn more about both myself and the world. I've learned that many Europeans have an unfortunate opinion of Americans. Many think that we are simply ignorant and unconcerned with the rest of the world. In all honesty, I have a lot to learn, because I'm not exactly "politically-savvy". So really, my knowledge has nowhere to go but up!

This poster and the maps in my room bring back specific memories of my travel experiences. I think of that panic I felt at the airport, or when I first saw the Eiffel Tower. I think of my German friends and the old buildings that are like living history. But today, even more than those memories, these items in my room represent a large part of my future. They remind me that a world exists outside of my own. They make me think of all of the adventures in my life that lie ahead.