What words would you use to describe your identity/identities?

I am a Black, Bisexual, Gender fluid, plus-sized individual.  I am a first generation college student; I am of low social-economic status, and I am the oldest child of a single mother. 

What motivated you to choose to study abroad?

It has always been a dream of mine to visit Japan.  If you asked any of my family members or friends, they would all agree that Japan was one of those topics that once I was on, I would rarely stop talking about. I knew that at some point in my life, without a doubt, I would go to Japan.  My university afforded me the opportunity to go earlier than I expected, so why wouldn't I jump at the chance? There was no question about me applying, and once I was accepted, there was no other option other than to say "yes" and go.

When you studied abroad, did your identity/identities influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?

Yes! It's impacted me in various ways.  With my most obvious identity being that I am Black, I've often felt subconscious on the train or walking around different cities.  I didn't encounter anyone hostile, but I've gained many stares from adults and would be asked questions from small children about my skin and who/what I was.  

I'm also plus-sized, and shopping often was very difficult for me.  Add in the fact that I'm gender non-conforming and it was difficult to buy clothes or go into designated men/women's clothing stores and find something I wanted, much less even fit.  Even the language is gendered, so I tried to use masculine and neutral phrases while I could.  I've always checked out the LGBTQ+ population in Tokyo to find places to eat and go out. I've been to a café and some designated LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, which were very interesting.  I even attended Tokyo PRIDE, that year.  In those areas, my sexual identity was apparent and played a role in who interacted with me.  I've never tried to hide who I was in any setting, so that impacted my semester abroad. 

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them.

You never know everything about yourself until you're put into unfamiliar situations, or until you have to adapt or learn new methods on how to present yourself--the possibilities are endless!  The unknown isn't as scary as you would think.  Challenges are not always terrible; sometimes they're great.  You need to ask yourself "what am I willing to put up with?" and go from there.  Be the best you that you can be, and that includes learning more about yourself!

Share one of your favorite memories from your time abroad. 

Out of everything I experienced, my favorite memory was when I first woke up in Japan.  I remember the plane ride, the air sickness, getting off the plane, going through customs, meeting my abroad program and the orientation.  But it didn't really hit me that I was in Japan until I woke up the first morning and looked out my hotel window.  It was about 7 a.m., I was jet-lagged and tired, but the morning was soft and bright.  I remember seeing the outskirts of the ocean and tall buildings and then BAM!  That's when it hit me.  "I did it! I'm here!" It was such a surreal realization that I sat there looking outside my window for about twenty minutes.  I accomplished a dream of mine.  All those essays, struggles for funding, all-nighters on homework to get my grades up, wishing and hoping to make it there safely, and I did it! Everything after that morning was a bonus.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I absolutely enjoyed my experience in Tokyo—I truly wished I could've stayed longer.  If I could help even one other individual enjoy their study abroad experience as much as I had, then I will do my best to help out!  There's a huge world out there, why not go out there and explore it? 

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities?

Motivated, compassionate, independent, empathetic, respectful, knowledgeable, assertive, direct, engaged, collaborative, hard-working.

What motivated you to choose to study abroad?

The chance to make the world my classroom and have a different perspective on the world is what mainly inspired me to take a leap on building a foundation on an international education.

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how?

Studying abroad has made me more aware of what I want to do with my life. The experience and skills I acquired abroad have strengthened who I am and will help supply my future aspirations of becoming a physician with the valuable traits.

Through an educational standpoint, I would like to influence the Hispanic community in my region to take control of the educational path they choose to take, including adding an international educational experience during their time in college and obtaining the positive impact studying abroad can offer to students.

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them.

Don't let financial barriers hold you back on making yourself stand out with your resume, make sure to define yourself, take advantage of embarking on an international journey/experience through study abroad.

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

I am a black American woman with West Indian roots, and I'm a global citizen.  Speaking Italian (thanks IES Abroad), Spanish, and a little French, I've made my home between NYC and Europe.

What motivated you to study abroad? 

Studying abroad in Milan, Italy, over a decade ago, was such a transformative time for me, and probably changed the trajectory of my life.  I went to a small liberal arts college in Massachusetts, and I absolutely loved it.  I had a great group of friends, and my classes were great, but something was missing.  I needed something different and seized the opportunity to study abroad.  Although I'd traveled before, I never LIVED abroad.  My favorite book growing up was an atlas. An avid reader, I devoured stories set around the world and knew I wanted to travel and see as much as I could.  My family, especially my grandmother, instilled in me the importance of seeing the world outside of Brooklyn, New York.  Luckily, my college, Amherst, whole-heartedly encouraged it, so a large percentage of the student body went abroad for their junior year for at least a semester.  It finally seemed truly feasible. 

When you studied abroad, did your identity/identities influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways?  If so, how? 

Yes! I studied abroad during a period (that we thought) was an intense political climate.  It was during the George W. Bush administrations with many European cities leaning left, much like the U.S. coastal cities. In Milan, at the time, it was no different, and opinions were very prevalent on the war in Iraq.  One of my closest friends from the program, who I traveled with a lot, was a blonde-haired, blue-eyed Jewish young woman from Chicago.  In social settings, when it came out that we were American, I was never asked "did you vote for Bush?" while my friend was—and more often than not, she was asked in a negative, or at least snide, way.  Being black American and furthermore, from New York, acted as a sort of political shield at times!

And vice versa, when you studied abroad, did your experience influence your identity(ies) in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how? 

Along those same lines but on another note (and this is something I've seen more in later years of being abroad): if you are a child of color or a child of immigrants, it might be tricky navigating your role in the U.S. right now. Having the experience of study abroad opens up the world to you.  People often say, during this divisive climate here, that "we're all American."  Maybe you're African American, West Indian American, Mexican American, etc., a lot of times abroad you're just American, and you're YOU.  Isn't that refreshing? 

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how? 

I knew that travel needed to be a part of my job. Initially, I used fashion as a caveat for this. I worked for companies with a significant international presence or had their headquarters overseas and eventually, I forged out on my own and began working with introducing international designers to the American market.  This travel turned into travel writing as well, and travel writing turned into my blog.  Studying abroad ignited a strong desire to not just learn about other cultures, but immerse myself in them.  The experience ultimately became the beginning of a pattern for me, where travel is my antidote to the complacency of everyday life.  Now, being abroad, whether studying or living, reminds me of and connects me to my best self—not just as a tourist but as a cultural exchange ambassador.  And the best part is, we all have this opportunity.

What experiences or skills gained from studying abroad continue to influence your life now?

Sure, I had gone off to summer camp before.  I went away to college, but never felt as independent or truly on my own as I did when studying abroad.  There was no PayPal or QuickPay; I had to handle my budget and deal with Italian bureaucracy, myself. It was at times trying, but mainly freeing.

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them. 

Studying abroad will truly open up the world to you.  You will return to the U.S. with a world perspective, coping mechanism and a true sense of responsibility. 

Share one of your favorite memories from your time abroad. 

I think seeing Venice for the first time was a great trip and a great memory.  I bonded with someone who would become a dear friend to me.  It was fall, so it was pouring rain in Venice. It was gloomy and romantic.  We walked around, popping into cafés, laughing about how romantic Venice was, even in the rain, and we were happy to be there together.  That way, the memory will never be ruined by a breakup.  The photo I shared below is from that day. I was absolutely giddy in gloomy, rainy Venice. 

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

I am a cis-gendered male, who identifies within the LGBTQ+ community. I am also a first-generation, Filipino-American who was the first of my family to attend an American university, as well as study abroad.

When you studied abroad, did your identity(ies) influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?

I think if anything, I was made more aware of my identity and was allowed to see myself in a different context. For once, in the classroom, I was surrounded by a room filled with individuals from diverse backgrounds - from all around the world. As someone who comes from a predominantly white institution and hometown, this meant so much to me: to see others, such as myself.

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how?

Most definitely. My experience seeing the world through a different perspective/lens has encouraged me to work in the field of International Education. The experience of studying abroad is such a transformative experience, and I enjoy helping students process and reflect on their own stories as they return home.

What experiences or skills gained from studying abroad continue to influence your life now?

For one, I am resilient. When things don't go the way I had planned, I seek new opportunities to solve issues or challenges as they arise. I am also someone who is very open to ambiguity and "getting lost" in a sense. We can't always predict our future - it's important to accept things as they come, and be present in the moment. Study abroad instilled this important lesson within me, and it is something I will carry for the rest of my life.

Share one of your favorite memories from your time abroad.

One of my favorite memories abroad was spending the day with my friends at Fitzroy Island during our spring break. I did a hike by myself and got to see an amazing view of the entire island, and really reflected on how lucky I was to be abroad.

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them.

It will cause you to challenge what you've been previously taught and will teach you ways to become the best person you can be. 

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

As a Jamaican Taiwanese, the words I would use to describe my identities include unique, unusual and authentic.

What motivated you to choose to study and intern abroad?

My brother introduced me to studying abroad during my freshman year, and I told him 'no" as I am actually studying abroad as an international student from Jamaica. However, when I did my research, and saw the different countries and courses involved, it looked exciting and it was an opportunity that I did not want to regret not taking.

When you studied/interned abroad, did your identity(ies) influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?

Jamaica is a former British Colony, therefore London surprisingly reminded me a lot of Jamaica. From the road names to the food, and even one of my IES Abroad professors was Jamaican! Therefore, my identity helped me to embrace London and helped with the culture shock.

And vice versa, when you studied and interned abroad, did your experience influence your identity(ies) in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how? 

Studying/Interning abroad definitely influenced my identity as it made me a better global citizen and helped me to understand people from different cultural backgrounds.

Has studying/interning abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how?

Being exposed to different health systems in different countries, comparing them and seeing the strengths and weaknesses definitely sparked my interest in having a career in public/international health.

What experiences or skills gained from studying/interning abroad continue to influence your life now? 

I definitely learned not to be afraid of the unknown, whether it be a country you've never ever been before, or the direction your life might be going.

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying/interning abroad is a good idea, particularly for them. 

Studying/Interning abroad is a good idea because you will learn that the world is just as diverse as you are.

Want to get to know Lydia a little better? Lydia served as one of our 2018 Ambassadors of the Year and wrote the following articles: Feeling at Home While Abroad and Lessons Learned: 3 Soft Skills a Service Learning Placement Can Teach You.

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities?  

I identify as a bi-racial cis-gender black woman. I'm also a painter, introvert, Cancer (zodiac sign), and pickle-fanatic.  I am a first-generation college student, and was the first in my family to study abroad.

What motivated you to choose to study abroad? 

I only had one short international travel experience before study abroad, and as a first-generation college student, no one in my family had ever studied abroad—this made the whole concept feel both novel and improbable.  Thankfully the college I attended had a strong emphasis on internationalism, which really normalized and encouraged the opportunity.  It was an expectation that to have a fully rounded educational experience, you would go abroad.  Being in that kind of environment was the push I needed to make it happen.

When you studied abroad, did your identity(ies) influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?

I specifically chose to go to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil because being a bi-racial black woman, there are not a lot of places where the majority identifies similarly to me race-wise.  I felt it was a once in a lifetime chance to immerse myself in a population comprised of many mixed-race (black/white) individuals.  In Rio, almost half of the population identifies that way.

Throughout my time there, I was surprised at how much my national identity stood out, and so even though, phenotypically speaking, I could blend in with the population, I learned a lot about the visibility of, and privilege tied to my "Americanness". On top of that, it was a unique opportunity to live in another country with the same deep ties to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade but shaped by its own particular cultural and political forces. I wanted to explore the different trajectories of those of us from the African Diaspora.  We who have shared origins and shared histories of displacement and trauma, yet possibly have different pathways and strategies to liberation.

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how? 

After returning from study abroad, I received IES Abroad's first ever Blogger of the Year Award for my video blog.  Shortly after graduating from college, I joined IES Abroad's Marketing Department.  I've been here for over 3 1/2 years and was recently promoted to the Video and Social Media Manager position. So, it's very obvious that studying abroad led me straight into the field of international education, which was not on my radar before going abroad, but it's something that I'm deeply thankful to be a part of now! 

What experiences or skills gained from studying abroad continue to influence your life now?

Open-mindedness, the ability to observe and appreciate difference without judgement, a radical ability to trust in myself, an acute awareness of my personal strength and my ability to face adversity, increased cultural competence and flexibility, and an understanding that accepting the flow of life (the challenges, obstacles, and surprises) is much more rewarding than resisting it.  Also, joy of the unknown, acceptance of conflicting truths, and appreciation of nuances.

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them.

I think studying abroad, especially for students of marginalized identities, is critical.  It's a reminder that the world is not only available for us to explore, but that we are active participants in shaping it, despite the limitations we may feel at home.  After going abroad you come back with a newfound confidence that gives you the tools you need to better advocate for yourself.  You may even find that your place and purpose in the world has been crystallized.  Above all, studying abroad is an experience that bolsters who you are and what you believe you are capable of, forever.  Cultivating a diverse array of future global leaders who are compassionate and critical and culturally competent begins right here, right now, through study abroad.

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

I am a black, Christian, heterosexual, cisgender female who is also a twin, and one of the oldest in a family of 8 kids (my twin is supposedly older).

What motivated you to choose to study abroad? 

I've wanted to study abroad ever since I was 12 years old. That's when I first realized it was an option.  In middle school, my sister and I both were approached by People to People, an ambassador organization for middle-schoolers, and that's when I discovered that seeing the world was an option.  My parents couldn't afford to send us abroad then, but after doing some research, I realized that going abroad would be a viable option once I was in college, so I made it happen.

When you studied abroad, did your identity(ies) influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?

It did.  Being the only black student on my program in Ireland was definitely an interesting experience.  Every week, I would go to my creative writing class with a new story of how someone stopped me on the street because they hadn't ever met a black person before.  And, while, yes, this experience was irritating at times, I not only learned to be more patient, but I also honed my small talk skills.  I got really good at making conversation on the street, which helped when we were traveling as a group outside of Dublin and meeting people outside of our program, and is a constant skill I use now for my current position! 

And vice versa, when you studied abroad, did your experience influence your identity(ies) in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?

Studying abroad was the first time in my life where I was American before I was African-American.  It made me view myself as part of the cohort a bit more, rather than an outlier within the group.  (Not that my fellow American Dubliners weren't amazing!) 

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how?

Most definitely!  Before studying abroad, I had no idea that this was even a career path that existed! Now, not only do I work for IES Abroad—first as a Program Advisor, and now as a Diversity Relations Manager—but I have plans to continue within this field. 

What experiences or skills gained from studying abroad continue to influence your life now?

What initially drew me to IES Abroad's Dublin program was the Celtic Myth and Legends course. However, while I was there, I also took my very first creative writing class (though I've been writing short stories since I was 10), and that class (especially Stephen!) influenced me to continue writing.  I've taken a variety of different writing courses since then, and I'm currently preparing for my second attempt at Nanowrimo, National Novel Writing Month.  Nanowrimo is an Internet-based creative writing project where participants pledge to write a 50,000-word novel throughout November. My goal is to complete my book and get it published.

Share one of your favorite memories from when you studied abroad.

It's so hard to choose just one, so I'm going to cheat a little bit and share two.  

My very first day-trip was to a pretty seaside town in Ireland named Howth. A group of us planned the trip together, and on a cold and windy Saturday we took a train and explored this little city. At some point, I wandered away from my friends a little bit and saw something amongst the trees that were surrounding the castle (there are castles everywhere in Ireland). I was too afraid to walk in the woods by myself (mostly because of fairy stories—which, trust me, are nothing like Disney!), so I found my friends and convinced them to walk with me. We happened upon some hidden ruins off the beaten path, and it's one of my favorite memories now! The other memory I wanted to share also took place in Ireland. My sister and a friend of ours came to visit me from their study abroad program in Rotterdam (about an hour away from Amsterdam), and I was able to find us pretty cheap tickets to a Drake concert. Dublin was one of the first stops on his Club Paradise Tour. Not only was it cool to experience a concert in another city, but he performed "Make Me Proud" in which he called out Howard University. Since all three of us were current Howard students, we, of course, went nuts!

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them.

Think of the stories you'll be able to share!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

When I say think of the stories you'll be able to share, I don't just mean the stories that you'll use to impress your friends and family back home. I mean the stories you'll use that will one day help you network when you're in a room where you don't know anyone; the stories that will highlight the skills and abilities you've learned so that you'll be able to get your dream job; the stories that will allow you to reminisce with a massive smile on your face with the life-long friends you'll gain throughout this.  Those are the stories you should think about.

I know that going abroad, especially as a black student is scary, and, quite honestly, difficult. You have all these barriers set against you, up to and including your skin color and how that color means you may be perceived or treated while you are abroad. I get it. I've been there. However, don't let that stop you. There are so many incredible opportunities that will come once you step outside of your comfort zone. You'll have the chance to meet so many wonderful people and open their eyes to a whole new perspective, all while they are broadening yours. Studying abroad was a fantastic experience that I got to cross off of my bucket-list and which then infected me with the travel bug. I'm so glad I dared to go!

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

I would say that I am an Indian-American woman and I am curious and interested in the world around me.

What motivated you to study abroad? 

I chose to study abroad to get some perspective on my education.  I was studying Spanish, and I realized that I wanted to test my skills in a real-world setting with Spanish speakers and also improve my Spanish skills in the process. It was also important for me to study abroad because I found myself becoming stuck in the routine of school life and performing poorly in my academics.  

When you studied abroad, did your identity(ies) influence experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how? 

When I studied abroad I found that I did not stand out among the Chilean people in a way that the rest of my white-American peers did.  Often, when I would travel or explore by myself, the Chileans would assume me to be a local and would charge me fairer prices rather than tourist ones. I also realized that because of speaking two other Indian languages besides English, I could speak Spanish without a strong American accent, which was important because it helped me avoid sounding too American and helped me fit in more easily. 

And vice versa, when you studied abroad, did your experience influence your identity(ies) in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how? 

My experience did influence my identity in a lot of ways.  I found myself thinking more openly and being more accepting.  I was exposed to different lifestyles when I would meet travelers who were choosing to run blogs, online stores, or have a contract that included six months of vacation.  These people inspired me to explore other routes after graduation or once I enter my professional career.  My experience also gave me the confidence to be myself more because I realized that even in Chile people shared my sense of humor and understood my jokes. 

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how?

Studying abroad and interning with Microsoft showed me that I would be equally as comfortable working with a group of foreigners as with a group of Americans. I enjoyed my experience in a setting different than the United States, and I learned that some of the stereotypes about working in a Latin workplace are truer than others.  I did find the people to be warmer, friendlier, and more eager to take care of one another in the workplace, however, on the other hand, I did not think that they were lazier than their American counterparts or less motivated.  Interning with Microsoft showed me the philanthropy and social impact side of the business and made me realize the importance of technology in empowering vulnerable populations.  Through this experience, I realized that even though my degree is not preparing me for a technical career, I can still use my marketing and Spanish skills to create impact in a country by giving people access to resources that can help them learn and progress.

What experiences or skills gained from studying abroad continue to influence your life now? 

My experience with my host mom made me more willing to accept other lifestyles especially because I had to understand someone's values and ideals really intimately and be respectful of them. This experience made me less judgemental about other people's decisions and lifestyles and more empathetic.  As a resident assistant this is really valuable because I can relate to my residents on their level and provide guidance for them.  I also think that this is an important ability to have because it can help you work better in teams, and communicate to people with varying priorities. 

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them. 

It can be really important to step outside one's own daily life and experiences to gain an appreciation for another culture and lifestyles especially to understand the motivations of other people. 

Share one of your favorite memories from your time abroad. 

My favorite memory is the time I went to visit the Atacama desert. On the last day of my trip I found a hostel worker that I had met the night before, and we sat down and started talking.  For a couple of hours, we sat in the shade, and we talked about everything from his favorite type of tourists and past jobs, to my American experience in Chile and speaking Spanish with a Chilean accent.  It was relaxing and easy to sit and talk and we went where the conversation took us; in a couple of hours, we were laughing at our new inside jokes and making fun of one another as if we were age-old friends.  I start smiling when I look back at the conversation because we laughed so much and it made me realize that we can all benefit from connecting a little more and sharing our time with others. 

Want to get to know Jaagrit a little better? Read more in her blog! Jaagrit served as one of our Fall 2018 IDEA Correspondents.  

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities? 

I am a Japanese-speaking, black American woman with Southern roots who is a married mother of three children.

What motivated you to choose to study or intern abroad?

During my childhood, I never quite felt I belonged anywhere until the world embraced me. I’d lived a relatively nomadic life as a kid, due to my dad’s job relocations as a salesman. I’d been forced to uproot, resettle and try to fit in more than 8 times in new communities across three states. I had a vision disability that limited my ability to see the details of life with the clarity most enjoy. And, I was a Southern black girl thrust into all-white Northern and Midwest environments where I felt like a foreigner in my own country.

Books about other places were my salvation during those unsure years. I read voraciously about other countries and their people, a pastime that cultivated my love and wanderlust for other places, in part, because I somehow felt that there was a place for me somewhere, someplace out there in the bigger world.

After a family excursion to a Japanese restaurant sparked a fascination with Japanese culture and language, I eventually decided that only by studying in Japan would I learn the language I’d fallen in love with. 

During my student days at Spelman College, Japanese wasn’t yet offered. The few programs abroad that would enable my dream of studying abroad in Japan required a minimum of completed college level Japanese courses. IES Abroad was the premier opportunity, which Spelman’s longtime study abroad director, Margie Ganz steered me. I didn’t meet the Japanese proficiency qualification despite otherwise being an Honors scholar with a high GPA. Margie Ganz spoke to Michael Steinberg, IES Abroad Vice President, on my behalf. And, in my desperation, I also called to him make my case, and to promise to excel despite the disadvantage of having no formal Japanese language training.

He said 'yes'. What for him may have been a simple decision changed the trajectory of my life. That decision was my passport to 30 years of traveling the world that has taken me to more than 25 countries, and the honor of an opportunity to spearhead efforts that have led to more than 10,000 students of color and thousands more first-gen and financially-challenged students, students of diverse faiths and LGBTQ+ students enrolling in our IES Abroad programs. All of this from a simple 'yes'.

When you studied or interned abroad, did your identity(ies) influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?

My identity as a black American woman did influence my experience when I studied in Japan and during our spring break excursion - in surprising and not so surprising ways. Since the Olympics took place in Seoul, Korea that year, many assumed I was an American athlete making a pit stop in Japan on my way to Seoul. There were others who assumed I was related somehow to singer Janet Jackson, who was on a world tour then and was the closest young black woman in pop culture at the time people could align me with in their limited awareness of black women. Though neighbors, Nanzan University students and others were friendly and curious, rarely was it initially assumed I was a typical American college student there to study Japanese culture and language. I stood out, physically, everywhere I went – a phenomenon I had to adjust to. What's interesting is that I experienced a glimpse of what life must be like for famous people who attract stares and picture-taking like they are objects of curiosity and fascination. I became increasingly aware of the lack of awareness, on a global scale, of black Americans or others of African descent beyond pop culture stereotypes. I took greater pride in my heritage and my desire to expand others' perceptions. My sense of American-ness also grew during that period.

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path? If so, how?

Yes, following my study abroad experience in Japan, I became even more determined to shape a career that would enable me to work that has an impact on a global scale.

What experiences or skills gained from studying abroad continue to influence your life now?

I continue to be relatively fearless when it comes to change. I embrace change. I also gained heightened independence, resourcefulness, and self-reliance skills that still factor into my life tremendously. While exploring Japan and China, I opened my mind more to cultural differences - tried new foods, traditions, language and ways of doing things - and have remained open in the same way since. Japanese Yaki soba, rice grown in Hokkaido and Yamagata, miso soup and ebi tempura are still some of my all-time favorite foods. I have a genuine love and appreciation for humanity across superficial differences; these feelings truly matured during study abroad.

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying/interning abroad is a good idea, particularly for them.

When you go abroad, you open yourself to the breathtaking achievements and expanse of the African diaspora across this world, and, in doing so, you'll empower yourself in amazing ways and transform how you view yourself and your place in the world.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Go. See. Do. Learn. Then, inspire others to do so as well.

What words would you use to describe your identity/identities?

I am a first-generation Mexican-American and first-generation college graduate.  I was also the first in my family to study abroad, and traveling has formed a huge part of my identity since.  

What motivated you to choose to study abroad? 

I honestly just wanted to get to know a new place.  I was interested in learning about a new culture and thought that Spain would be ideal in helping me develop my Spanish as well. 

When you studied abroad, did your identity(ies) influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways?  If so, how? 

Yes!  It was a goal of mine to get to know and interact with locals and that is why I chose to live in a residence hall where about half the students were American, and the other half were Spanish.  Having been raised in a Spanish speaking household, I spoke it fluently and I was surprised to discover how much easier that made it for me to make friends with the Spaniards, as opposed to some of my American friends. Along the same lines, most of my Spanish friends saw me purely as Mexican and didn't really associate me with the United States. 

And vice versa, when you studied abroad, did your experience influence your identity(ies) in significant and/or surprising ways?  If so, how? 

Yes, I've always felt a very strong tie to my Mexican roots and often identified myself as Mexican rather than American or even Mexican-American.  I have always been proud of my Mexican culture and incorporated the food/music/language in my everyday life, but because I felt so at home in Granada, my sense of style, vocabulary, and even taste changed dramatically.  I am still very proud of my Mexican roots and they are still very relevant, but I was surprised at how much I incorporated Spanish cultures and customs into my life.

Has studying abroad impacted your educational and/or professional aspirations or path?  If so, how?

Prior to studying abroad, I wanted to major in accounting and work at a public accounting firm.  Although that didn't immediately change upon my return, my experience abroad set the path for my "Gap Year" working at a high school in Madrid, which then prompted my career change into International Education. 

What experiences or skills gained from studying abroad continue to influence your life now?

I find that my time abroad is relevant EVERY SINGLE DAY.  It allowed me to discover my love for traveling, which I try to do as often as possible; it connected me with people I am still friends with, and it allows me to do my job effectively when I am advising students about what to think about when considering different study abroad programs.  

In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them.

I think as Latinx individuals, a lot of us don't have a ton of people to look to for guidance on going abroad, but that is why we can take the initiative to do that for others.  Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and be 100% open to new experiences; having a set of expectations can keep us from enjoying the opportunities in front of us!

Share one of your favorite memories from your time abroad. 

There was a tiny crepe shop owned by a French couple close to where I lived and after stumbling upon it and falling in love, I took my new Residencia friends there and devoured my crepe in approximately 60 seconds. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share? 

Somebody once told me that it is not enough to appreciate the beautiful customs we learn from other cultures, we must carry them with us and share them with others; if we bring aspects of what we liked and carry them out wherever we go, it will allow us to miss that place a little less.