Why do you travel?

During reading week, which is basically a spring break with an emphasis on self-studying, I found myself eating a baguette every day and saying merci beaucoup. Can anyone guess where I was? Yes, I was in France! France was one destination I was determined to get to as soon as I decided to study abroad …

When Your Bestfriend Visits You in Ireland!

I’m a graduating senior studying abroad in Ireland. Many people ask me, “Aren’t you sad to miss your last semester on campus?” Well sort of, but not really, because all of my best friends are off-campus this semester. Rachael, the one studying abroad in France, flew over to Ireland to see me this weekend! Rachael …

Draw, Like One Of Your French Girls

The story of my first day in art class My first day at l’Ecole de Beaux-Arts de Nantes, I got lost. After three levels of gray cement floors, catwalks, and metal railings, the only things that reassured me I was still in the right place were the eccentrically-dressed students and a mass at the entrance …

Nature is My Classroom

I knew coming into the Galapagos program that I would get hands-on learning experiences in biology. I never expected it to this degree, and I am beyond grateful for the unique learning opportunities this program provides. Regardless of your track, you may land in an impermanent classroom that’s always on the move. Sure, you may …

The Unexpected U-turn: Expectation vs Reality

6:00 AM. Beep beep! My alarm rang. My eyes were barely open, but I managed to wiggle out of my bed. Why would I wake up so early on a Sunday? It’s because I was going on the Cliffs of Moher tour with my friends! It’s the place where one of my favorite movies, Harry Potter …

A Weekend Trip to London

I never knew that international travel can be done so casually. Not even two weeks ago, my flatmates and I spontaneously decided to fly to England (thanks Ryanair for being so affordable). After an hour-long flight, I was in a whole different country. Two years ago, the summer before the beginning of the pandemic, I …

One Month In!

Time really does fly. I’m somehow ¼ of the way into my semester here, and it still feels like I just got here last week. I was so worried that I wouldn’t be built for city life, but I absolutely love being here and have even begun to look into graduate school options within the …

Paranormal Experience: Exploring a Prison in Belfast, Northern Ireland

If you know me personally, perhaps you would describe me as a serious person. Definitely not rebellious. Maybe a little bit of a party pooper?  Those of you who know me, you might have to update your impression of me. On Friday, I did something incredibly wild (in my opinion)! With three of my flatmates, …

Adjustment and Grace

It has now been three weeks since I moved to Chicago, and overall it has been an amazing experience. I am finally used to riding the trains, and feel comfortable getting to and from my internship as well as my classes. One of the things that I have struggled with the most these past few …

True or False: Does it rain in Ireland everyday?

A little over 10 days have passed since I came to Ireland and here are three things I need to admit :  1. I have NOT been caught in the rain 2. I have spent SO MUCH money already 3. My steps have been trending higher everyday ever since I got here 1. I have …