On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell. We’ve all read about it. People from the East and West rushed across the border, hugging and kissing and celebrating with anyone and everyone in sight. The Peaceful Revolution had worked: the German Democratic Republic had crumbled. Earlier this month, as people celebrated the 30th anniversary of German Reunification, emotions were high for many Berliners as they reflected on the anniversary and the time since.

Yesterday at dinner, my host mom asked me if I had faced any discrimination during my semester in Buenos Aires. At first, I was a bit surprised that she asked, and then I immediately started thinking through the list of experiences I’ve had here because of my race. The answer I gave her was that I had not faced outright discrimination, but there has been a lot of curiosity. 

The amazing thing about being abroad is that you’re still able to achieve your goals and follow your dreams. I’m a portrait and fashion photographer based in Los Angeles. The people I have photographed have always been friends or people I reach out to on Instagram. I have always wanted to work with signed models and modeling agencies, but despite my desire, I have always been self-conscious about my work. I didn’t think my work was good enough to send to agencies and always compared my work to others.

I’ve taken six international trips this semester, and have plans for two more; that being said, leaving Amsterdam doesn’t necessarily mean having to leave the Netherlands. For a country only slightly larger in area than West Virginia, there is an incredible amount to see past windmills and tulips (which, because it’s fall, are only found in souvenir shops). Because of its comparatively-minuscule size next to the massive country that I come from, the longest possible train ride from Amsterdam is less than two-and-a-half hours.

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of joining the Humboldt University Symphonic Orchestra for the Info-Probe (first info-rehearsal). And I would like to share with you some things I would suggest noticing if you are ever in this situation.

Hello again! (but mostly hello to my parents because I think they’re some of the only ones that read this!) Barcelona has been so busy between midterm exams, papers, and presentations, but I have also been traveling and taking a lot of pictures that I’ve been excited to share. This set of pictures is from my trip to the Amalfi Coast, where we explored Sorrento, Capri, Anacapri, Positano, and Pompeii.

I seriously cannot believe I am writing this from my couch all the way in Massachusetts! After my wonderful road trip with my dad, we spent a few days in Australia and then jumped on the plan for the 20-hour trip home.

I can’t believe the semester is already over, but I can’t say I was sad to be done with finals (full disclosure: I’m already in my comfy clothes and on my very comfy couch back in Massachusetts). My last days in Christchurch were spent with my IES Abroad group and full of some very sad goodbyes which I will not get into now just in case I happen to get something in my eye and get a little teary (it’s fine, everything is fine, not going to miss these people every single day).

The Alhambra. Gushing streams of tangled etches cascade down curling arches. Firm, blocked pillars hoist up a labyrinth across the ceiling. Smooth marble, sets of twin trees, and gentle rays of sun all coalesce around a resplendent circle where a brave pride of jungle kings guard the bubbling fountain in the center of the palace that has drawn so many so near. Scrupulous eyes are drawn to a poem inscribed on the basin of the font: 

“Hard and soft are so close,

that it would be hard to distinguish

They say that studying abroad changes you, and even while I am still currently studying abroad, I have noticed that I have changed, and it is all due to my daily sunrise run along the Promenade des Anglais. Before studying abroad, I was somewhat active, I played soccer and went to Zumba classes with my friends, but being physically active was just a consequence of being social for me. However, this past summer I took up running and so I decided to bring my running shoes with me to Nice.