Leaving the Country for the First Time

It is still very hard to believe that I studied in Scotland. When I found out about the Origins of mind global seminar,

I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. Not only would I be able to visit another country but the courses and

excursions available in this program are very closely related to my career interests, so I knew I would get a

lot out of this program and enjoy it as well. But as a first-generation college student, college was a very unfamiliar

territory for both myself and my family, especially when it came to studying abroad. So when it came to wanting to

go abroad, I found it to be very overwhelming. I was not sure where to start, how I would be able to afford the cost

of the program, how it would allow me to satisfy my course requirements, overall, I did not know if studying abroad

would be for me, as I did not know what to expect.

I have never traveled outside the country nor did I have anyone that I knew that studied abroad that I could relate

to and receive some advice from. I felt so stuck and overwhelmed that for a moment I had rather just skip out on

going abroad to avoid the added stress, but I knew that there was a lot of support on campus to help me through

the process of going abroad so feeling a bit overwhelmed about it shouldn’t be an excuse for why I should skip

going abroad. With the help of the study abroad office, I was able to easily go through the process by attending

informational sessions, doing my own research, and reaching out to other students who had previously studied

abroad. 

All the hard work and running around to get things done were so worth it because I fell in love with Scotland. I

never thought I would actually be living outside of the country. I have formed many friendships that will last me

a lifetime and the experience of being on new terrains and being part of a different culture is something that

everyone should give themselves the opportunity to experience. For me, not once did I feel left out or very

homesick, on the other hand; I felt so free and independent. I felt motivated to step out of my comfort zone every

time to try new things. Just thinking about how close I was to skipping out on studying abroad for the simple reason

that I was scared makes me laugh every time because there is nothing to be scared about trying new things, on

the contrary; we should be scared of not trying new things.

The five weeks spent in Scotland were amazing. Waking up every morning I just couldn't believe I actually made

it here. I learned so much about myself and the people around me. My choice to study abroad is something I will

NEVER regret doing. I know that there are many students out there that feel like study abroad is not possible for

them whether it is because of the cost or because you are scared to leave home whatever reason it is that is

keeping you behind from studying abroad, just know that there is always a way and that goes for whatever
it is that you have been trying to do, just do it. You never know what you may gain or lose from it until you try it.
For me, I gained the most beautiful memories of myself as a young, independent individual who gave
herself the opportunity to explore a new country and to grow from the experience.


Give yourself the opportunity.

                               






                               





                               

By: Ashley Ugarteche