And so it begins...

There is nothing more captivating than boarding a plane in Los Angeles and arriving in a small city in southern Spain twenty-four hours later with an open mind and an unparalleled desire to learn and explore. In a few short hours, I will begin a new chapter of my life that entails studying in Granada, a small city in southern Spain with a small group of students from universities in the Northwestern United States. While preparing for this trip, I have asked myself more questions that I can count. These range from what the people wear, how they interact socially, and even basics like whether or not they expect tips at restaurants. Regardless of the countless unanswered questions, doubts, and even fears, I have never been more excited to throw myself into such an adventurous situation.

Before I flood you with pictures and stories about Europe, let me first introduce you to the adventure that I will embark on when I arrive in Spain on Friday morning. The study abroad program is designed to immerse students entirely into the Spanish culture as well as drastically improve their mastery of the Spanish language. Because it is a full immersion program, I signed a contract months ago stating that I will only speak Spanish while in Spain. This, in addition to 19 credits of Spanish courses, will surely benefit me in my quest to improve my fluency in Spanish. The program emphasizes the importance of traveling throughout Spain, so I plan to explore this new country with great ambition and curiosity. In addition to travel, I hope to connect with the Spanish people beginning with my host family in order to gain the most out of the experience that I can. I have heard time and time again that these next five months will be the most challenging, yet rewarding days that I have faced, and I am determined to apply myself, take risks, and return home with No Regrets.

I have set many goals that I hope to exceed while studying abroad, and throughout these next months, I will share my experiences as related to what I have learned and accomplished. First and foremost, I want to return home not only with improved Spanish skills, but with an educated understanding of European culture. With so many political, economic, and social issues in Europe that resonate with the entire world, I will make an effort to ask questions and become educated on all facets of European life. Aside from my experiences with the local Europeans, I hope to return home in five months with lasting friendships, both with the locals and with fellow peers. More people have encouraged me to appreciate and take advantage of every moment that I have in Spain, and I will capitalize on this encouragement by accepting challenges that will benefit me and make me a stronger person.

I ask you guys to pray for me as I branch out and immerse myself in a new culture, and I promise to update everyone with my experiences and lessons learned. In closing, this marks the beginning of a new journey, a new life experience. May it be as challenging and rewarding as I make it…and so it begins.

A young man without ambition is an old man waiting to be.
Steven Brust