A Tale of Two Cities: From San Francisco to Berlin, My Journey to Study Abroad

Featuring iconic San Francisco views, The Princess Diaries is the quintessential 2000s period piece. With a bag of M&M’s in hand, I’d pop my favorite film into my family’s DVD/VCR player—the best way to unwind. I’ll never forget Joe’s famous final words as the plane descended, the clouds giving way to a lush green landscape and the promise of a new beginning: “Princess, look out the window, and welcome to Genovia.”

Ever since then, I’ve been searching for my “Genovian moment”—watching my destination fade into view right from my window seat. Traveling the world as a bright-eyed 21-year-old isn’t just a dream anymore. It’s real.

Now, as I pack my bags for my first solo flight to Berlin, I look back on the moments that have brought me here.

Proud to Be Urban
What you’ve heard is true: I’m a city kid at heart. And Berlin’s the perfect match for city kids like me, who thrive in fast-paced environments.

With endless monuments, galleries, and museums, there’s much to explore in every corner of the city, while its vibrant green spaces offer a much-needed sanctuary from bustling urban life. Complete with an extensive public transit system, Berlin is incredibly well-connected. What a perfect place to immerse yourself in urban studies.

Proud to Be Queer
Growing up queer in San Francisco was a privilege. Learning my history has given me the gift of authenticity; I draw inspiration from Black and Brown trans activists who came before me. I thank my queer elders for teaching me to love, to be loved, and not to fear love.

Queer culture in Berlin, too, is rooted in a rich history of radical liberation. Berlin is widely recognized as the “queer capital of the world,” from its foundational role in the gay rights movement to its annual Christopher Street Day celebrated every summer. The city boasts some of the best gayborhoods, not to mention a multitude of third spaces that center queer joy: lesbian bars, gay cafés, and even queer knitting circles! In RuPaul’s eyes, Berlin’s LGBTQ+ scene embodies the recipe for success. Charisma. Uniqueness. Nerve. Talent.

Proud to Be First
Berlin is a city of firsts. Here, you truly can find innovation all around. Just as my mom did when she boarded her first airplane to San Francisco more than twenty years ago, I feel a rush of excitement coursing through me.

As I trace my fingers over the numbers on my plane ticket, I think about every sacrifice my parents made for me so that I could make this dream a reality. When my parents immigrated to the United States, they left behind everything they knew for a new chapter filled with uncertainty. They knew how hard it would be to hold onto their identities as they assimilated into another culture, but that didn’t stop them from trying.

Being the first in my family to go to college has come with its challenges, of course, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Studying abroad will be a life-changing experience not only for me but also for my loved ones, who dream of seeing the world with their own eyes. I only hope that sharing my experiences abroad will inspire someone else to start their journey.

With each nostalgic rewind of The Princess Diaries, I can now look back and confidently say: “We did it, Joe!” We’re off to Berlin!

If there’s one thing that being a movie lover has taught me, it’s to dream big and never forget where you come from. And to my fellow dreamers out there thinking about a semester abroad, I encourage you to take that leap: be bold, pursue your passion, and stay true to your story. You never know what opportunities may come your way.