As merely one of the seven billion people living in this world, we might think that we do not have what it takes to create a lasting impact. Perhaps, the point that we forget is that it only takes one person who is passionate about an idea, to initiate something that may eventually grow and produce a positive global effect. Like Dr Israel J. Rosefskyâs vision of studentsâ valuable contributions through experiences in different countries, each of our dreams possesses potential to bring an affirmative change. Studying abroad is a great opportunity for me to learn, and then use the knowledge that I obtain to take part in helping form ties between multiple cultures. Two and two put together can eventually establish a connection rather than division.
Whenever the famous prompt âtell me a little about yourselfâ comes up, I am geared to describing myself as a combination of the people Iâve encountered in my life thus far. In everything I do, I try my best to incorporate what I have previously learned in the most beneficial way possible. During my experience as a teacherâs assistant at an Early Intervention Center, I aimed to broaden the childrenâs horizons while working on their overall discipline. Taking the time to observe each child independently served as a useful starting point, as it provided much insight into their individuality. However, my main objective was not only to tailor to each childâs needs, but more importantly, get them to realize the existence of their classmatesâ ideas, through interaction with one another. Demonstrating the significance of engaging with peers who may or may not be similar to them, I hoped, would allow room for self-growth and inspiration in these young children. Likewise, when I shadowed a speech pathologist at a rehabilitation center, I was able to utilize my bilingual skills to bring two cultures closer together. Chinese patients were learning to communicate with therapy professionals in English, and the physicians who werenât Chinese started recognizing common Chinese medical terms.
Gaining knowledge about other cultures has always fascinated me. Quite honestly, I believe in its capability of settling all of our perceived differences. In our mission to join together in peace, learning may be one of the strongest glues. By studying abroad in Spain, not only will I have the chance to explore the scenic beauty of another country, but I will definitely come in contact with people who do not share my way of living. Yet, that is the most interesting aspect, one of the top reasons for my desires to travel abroad. The more I see, the more passion I develop for learning. Moreover, I realized that âreal-worldâ learning is oftentimes characterized by people stepping out of their comfort zones. Understanding Spanish grammar is not enough; I need to be able to immerse myself into the Spanish culture, and one way is to communicate in Spanish. I have decided to fully converse in Spanish once I am abroad.
Interacting with people of different cultural backgrounds can open my eyes to new ideas and inspire me more so than any kind of in-class education, technological device and social media could. With interest in the culture comes easy incorporation of the cultural experiences into my daily life. Although I know the six week program will pass by quickly, it will be one that stays with me throughout my future journey. When I return to Binghamton University, I will continue to take Spanish courses as well as converse more frequently in Spanish with friends. Like the saying along the lines of âyou wouldnât know unless you experience it yourself,â I will be able to share with the community everything that I have taken in from going abroad to Spain. My aim is to establish everlasting relationships with those I can learn from, and those I can teach too.
âA genuine satisfaction is reached when I am able to give back and provide assistance to others. My goal is to become a Speech-Language Pathologist who will step out of her comfort zone and improve the overall wellbeing of patients by bringing her knowledge of other languages and cultures to the field. The Spanish-speaking population is currently growing, which, to me, is a chance to help an increasing number of people. When my efforts combine with othersâ who possess similar mindsets, two and two put together will eventually establish a connection rather than division.
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