Rain and Shine… and Snow?!

Where has the time gone!? A rhetorical question because I know where the time has gone; it has turned moments into memories. My mind and heart are becoming acquainted with the fact that life moves fast. Hospitality A few things I have been grateful for recently: my kind host who knitted me a beautiful pair …

Departure Thoughts

As I sit here at Gate M24 in Chicago’s O’Hare airport, I am graced by the sunlight that shines forcefully through the clouded windowpanes displaying the organized chaos that litters the tarmac. My day was filled with last minute packing, my last homemade matcha latte, a smooth little road trip to the Windy City with …

First Field Trip Weekend

Culinary Experience in Bologna My first weekend in Milano began by visiting the FICA center (the worlds largest food park) to take a pizza-making class. Once entering FICA I soon learned why it was the worlds largest food park as there was attractions that looked like food, everywhere!! After walking around FICA our group landed …

My First Week in Milano

Pizza, shopping, and more pizza After flying for nearly ten hours I found myself heading to my beautiful Residential Living center (it even has a pool) and settling in to my single studio room.The first night of my arrival the staff took us out to a pizza ristorante where I ordered my first authentic Italian …

Chapter 9: a day in the life

song: walking on sunshine Hi all! Today I am walking you through a day in my life as a study abroad student in Barcelona, Spain.  Since it’s Monday, I wake up around 8:00 am to get ready then leave for the train station at 8:45 am. Then, I board the train to take me to …

Chapter 8: seeking help

song: dream a little dream of me ¡hola a todos!  I am writing to you after a long conversation with my mom (it was good, not to worry) and a game plan in mind. Let me start from the beginning. It all started in my “Self & Identity in a Postmodern World” class. The task …

Chapter 7: Madrid!

song: put your records on Well, friends, time is flying. I hope this season is treating you well. Today is the day that I share about my trip to Madrid, the lovely capital of Spain.  On a hazy warm morning, we boarded a sleek silver train to Madrid. After about seven hours, we hopped off …

Back Home

Although I had a few health issues, my time overall in Chile was amazing. I grew so much as a student, woman, global citizen, and social worker. For future study abroad students or travelers, Chile offers a wide range of adventures. Across the country are numerous natural wonders: the Atacama Desert, National Parks, Andes Mountain …

Art of Chile

After my health scare, I am recovering and have found joy in exploring the city. The IES program was an immersive experience. Whether sitting through classes, developing conversations, or observing everyday life, I was challenged to consider the past, present and future of Chile. My program connected my academic interests to my personal ones. In …

Chapter 12: Adiós Catalunya

¡Hola a todos! The Last Week It is officially my last week studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. The feeling probably won’t set in until I board the first plane on my way home but for now, we are studying for final exams. Tia and I quickly realized that the IES Abroad courses typically require a …