About Me
Maddy/21/Originally from Victoria BC Canada/Currently living in Saint-Etienne France.
Why am I making a blog? Why not just post photos of some pretty buildings on Instagram like my other peers who are on an exchange?
Until now, I have never lived anywhere other than my family house in Victoria. I love where I live, and I feel very fortunate for the life I have been given. I have lived a privileged life, to say the least.
I am an only child raised by two amazing parents, over the years, we have become quite the dynamic trio.
I attended a small private school from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The community of this school was very close-knit, which had peaks and pits as most schools do. On top of my studies, I was on the Field Hockey team, school newspaper, and the Student Activity Council (where my love of coordinating events began).
You might come to see a trend that I like to live a hectic life.
I experienced tremendous support academically and socially from the incredible staff at the school, it really felt like I was being raised by a family there.
Like many teens, I experienced my fair share of difficulties with regards to the complexity of relationships with peers. I in no way think I am unique when I say that the social aspect of middle school and high school was challenging for me. These challenges formed me, being teased and excluded by my peers helped me become funny. I stand by that. I learnt to laugh at life and not take it too seriously.
I spent my summers on Gabriola Island working at a fantastic organization called Kids in The Spotlight, a development and leadership program structured around putting on a musical in only 5 days. My eccentric and larger than life attitude was truely formed here, KITS was my place to explore who I wanted to be. Personally and professionally, I utilize skills I learnt as a participant and leader every day.
Through reflecting on these early experiences, it is easy to see why I am currently studying business with a focus in service management. My love of people has been the driving force in forming my professional life. Though my career goals are always evolving, the current dream is to become a Culture Consultant. Helping workplaces improve their corporate culture so their employees can work in positive and productive environments.
So back to the question, why am I making this blog?
Well, I have just embarked on an adventure of a lifetime, on August 27th, 2019, I flew to Saint-Etienne, France, to study at EmLyon Business School for a semester.
I mainly want to document my experience in a unique and in-depth way, so I can look back on this time and reflect on how it shaped me. I also hope that I can bring a unique perspective to what it is like to go on exchange. I will consider this blog a success if I can transfer the knowledge of this experience to someone who is looking for answers on how to live abroad for the first time. Trust me, if I can do this, so can you.
If all goes according to plan, expect a broad mix of posts about my experience in Saint-Etienne, photos of my travels, perhaps even a few vlogs!
Thank you for taking the time to join me on this journey, as I break out of my comfort zone. I hope I can inspire you to do the same.
-Maddy