Exploring the Power of Change through Art and Studying Abroad

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Growing up, I was always afraid of change. From what I ate for breakfast every morning to the time I drifted off to sleep, I sought consistency in almost everything that I did. As is the case for many people, it is easy to choose the path of comfort and safety and settle down in one place forever. However, after moving away from my family to pursue a BFA in Illustration along with a minor in Spanish at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, I have since learned to appreciate change and embrace it as an integral part of my life. As a result of all of the new experiences I have encountered as a college student, I now realize that living inside of our comfort zones largely limits us to the world’s wonders that can only be discovered by taking risks and seeking out unfamiliar experiences. Despite all that I have learned within my classes at Grand Valley, I have undoubtedly grown the most through the extracurricular activities and off-campus educational trips that I have participated in over the course of my first two years of college.

The outside world that surrounds us — our home, family, culture, natural environment, etc. — influences us in so many ways, which is especially crucial for artists such as myself to consider, as well as anyone actively working or aspiring to work in any creative industry. As an illustrator, I heavily draw inspiration from nature and daily life around me — all of my creations essentially embody my collection of personal experiences and memories. For artists, one of the best ways to experience change and find new sources of inspiration is through cultural immersion and visiting different places around the world. Ultimately, for this reason I have decided to step outside of my comfort zone and participate in a study abroad program in Granada, Spain this summer.

This program, offered through IES Abroad, will provide me with the opportunity to live in Granada for 5 weeks (beginning on May 21, 2025) and spend an additional week in Morocco at the end of June. I have enrolled in a Spanish language course to assist with my minor, as well as an art history course on the Andalusia region that I will be staying in. Additionally, IES Abroad has arranged opportunities for students to travel to various historical sites and cities within southern Spain, including the Alhambra palace, Córdoba, Ronda, and Setenil. To supplement my learning, I will be carrying a small sketchbook around with me to draw various things that I find myself inspired by on my travels. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences of Granada and Morocco through my artwork, and reflecting afterwards on how these experiences influence my artwork and shape my perspective in various ways.

Although change can still be frightening for me, I am extremely excited to take this leap and open my mind to an entirely new culture and environment. ¡Hasta pronto Granada!