An opportunity to expand my understanding of the world is an opportunity that I am quick to embrace, and cherish as potential for growth and exploration. I had never discovered such opportunities in the small town community where my sister and I grew up, and where my parents were born, raised, and wed. This small town sentiment had always provoked my curiosity in exploring the multifarious cultures and traditions of the world. However, leaving the close comforts of our all too familiar town was a rare endeavor for my family. Notwithstanding, I had always known there were bigger ideas, beliefs and educations to be sought, but they always appeared intangible. The first opportunity I had to experience diversity of more than the five thousand people …show more content…
From discouraging me to take science courses abroad, to informing me that I could not take courses towards the pre-med track, my advisor implied that there was no benefit in a study abroad experience. Fortunately, I have discovered that when something is said be impossible, it is usually just a case of lacking the effort necessary for success. Therefore with the proper motivation and surplus of effort I was able to overcome this challenge. But even with the motivation that allowed me to successfully devise a study abroad program that accommodated my academic needs, I had still struggled with finding the support to study abroad where my family has not traveled beyond our hometown. It is hard to not share the excitement of experiencing another country, but rather be filled with worry and doubt about the dangers of traveling and being alone in a new place. Being held back from experiences as a result of worry and doubt has been long been a frustrating factor in my life. Furthermore, I had recently been diagnosed with panic disorder and had struggled with the increasing frequency of panic attacks in my daily life, causing hesitancy in my study abroad plans. I have come to face these challenges over a long process of determination to not let standards, or anxiety continue to force me away from my goals. I have overcome these challenges by advocating that my beliefs, desires, and passions should define who I am, and for that to happen, I must be able to act accordingly. Retaining this mindset will make my abroad experience all the more positive because I will have the motivation of personal fulfilment. I believe having faced these challenges now, has better prepared me for any challenges I may face while