Three hundred and fifty miles of driving and two flights seem to have done the trick, I've made it to Valencia. Until I got here it all seemed surreal (and to be honest it still kind of feels like I might wake up at any moment). All summer I had been working to save up, and I kept myself motivated by the light at the end of the tunnel--a semester in Spain. I had my reservations like anyone going abroad does, but I also was lucky to have been to Valencia before and have a network of people here for me. My seat neighbor on the plane from New York to Madrid was also going abroad, and she was making a much bigger leap than I. Mary* is going to be in Madrid* this semester, and she seemed very nervous about going. The more I talked with her it became clear why. Mary is a first generation college student, currently attending a community college. She is the youngest of her family, and most of her siblings resent that she has graduated high school and gone to college, and they are jealous of the fact that she is going to be spending four months in Spain. Not only does she seem to not have the support of her family, but despite trying to get friends to attend the program with her she is going alone. She will be the first of her friends to travel outside of the United States, and as nervous as she seemed I believe that she is ready for the experience.
Many of my friends are studying abroad, but some aren't because universities can make it difficult. We need to complete certain credits for our majors and a semester abroad can set you back--a lot. I know it's only my first full day here, but I can't imagine not doing this. Taking this leap to go abroad is probably the best decision I've made thus far and I would encourage everyone to go abroad. I hope Mary has a great semester, and I applaud her for going abroad when she didn't have the biggest support system helping her get there. I'll have more to come (including pictures) when I've been here for more than a day and am no longer fighting with jetlag. Hasta luego! *name and city changed for anonymity
1 Comment
GauntieNamaste
9/21/2012 01:56:41 am
Claire, darling! I, like you, was a dancer! I'm thrilled you have gotten back to it, and with Flaminco, no less! Keep me posted on your progress with it. Lots of people I know take classes in Flaminco! Enjoy!!!
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Claire AngelineI am traveling the world from October 2017-October 2018, and the plan is to visit all seven continents. I'm a vegetarian foodie, a baker, a dance enthusiast, a nonprofit co-founder, and a huge travel addict. When I'm not traveling I'm putting my MPH to good use and doing public health research. Archives
September 2016
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