A couple days ago I found out that I've been accepted to study abroad in Cuba this coming spring. I couldn't be more excited--I was literally jumping and squealing when I found out. The first thing I did was Skype my mom to tell her between breaths, the second thing I did was post about it on Facebook (and now a few days later I'm writing about it on a blog; technology much?)
The responses have been interesting. Some people have asked why I would choose Cuba, others have told me they have always wanted to go there. The Spaniards I have told don't seem to see it as such a big deal. The stigma surrounding Cuba seems to lie mainly with people from the United States. I have never had anything against Cuba. I've wanted to travel there for a long time, and I've studied it occasionally in various classes. To be honest I don't really know what to expect, but that's part of why I'm so excited. As excited I am that Cuba is the country where I am headed, there is a more important point. I was dissuaded from applying for a year abroad from the start, especially to two different programs. I almost didn't apply, because if the chances were slim what was the point? Many people told me there was no chance, it wasn't worth it, and I would regret a year abroad. Everyone is different, and I understand that a year abroad is hard and is not for everyone. However, I've always imagined spending my junior year abroad--it didn't even seem like an option not to. I'm the person who gets overwhelmed by the fact that there are too many countries I want to visit--and not just a little upset, I have had legitimate break downs about this. So when I saw that my school was leading a study abroad program to Cuba it was like a cruel joke was being played on me. I was already going abroad for the fall, there was no chance I could do two different programs in one year. Then this summer the (oh-so-simple) truth hit me: why not? What was actually preventing me from applying? If I didn't apply there was absolutely no chance of getting in. Sure, the chances were slim, but a one in a million chance is better than nothing, and my chances were much better than one in a million. So I went for it. I wrote emails to all the right people, got my paperwork in order, and took the leap. And guess what? It paid off. So as cheesy as this advice may be, if you want something then go after it. Don't sit around waiting for the opportunity to come to you. I'm in college for four years, and I plan on taking full advantage of these four years. I don't want to look back and wonder what if? I am going to be abroad for more or less 10 months of the coming year, and I am pretty much just as excited as I am terrified. I'm not going to pretend that I won't miss home and that I'm not a little freaked out. But that fear--that adrenaline rush that comes with travel--is part of what drives me to keep doing it. So I'm going to go out on a limb sometimes, and maybe that will lead to some regrets, but that's a risk I'm willing to take.
2 Comments
Rick Wellbeloved-Stone
9/26/2012 01:43:08 pm
You make me so damned proud. With your work. With your effort. With your words. With your passion.
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Deb Howard
9/28/2012 01:08:40 am
Claire, You ROCK!! Your dad filled me in on your life and I will have to admit, I was one who asked Why Cuba? Now I better understand. Take Care, folks at CHS say be safe!!
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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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