When I chose to study abroad, I had two main desires. The first one was to push myself out of my comfort zone. Inspired by the amount of traveling my friends did, I decided I needed to take the same leap into adulthood and sign up for JSB. My second desire was to use this experience as an escape. I wanted freedom and separation from the responsibilities I felt weighed me down at home. I longed for a relaxing and enlightening retreat from my problems.

However, only one of my two desires ended up coming true: Being out of my comfort zone. Without my knowledge, my problems slithered into my suitcase and hopped on my flight to paradise the moment I checked my bags in Atlanta. Studying abroad in a foreign place and new culture is obviously uncomfortable and this program made deep realizations hit me hard.

What the JSB program and my experience studying in Italy has taught me is that just like learning a language or culture, growth takes time, consistency, and willingness. The reason my pesky problems followed me halfway across the globe is because they are me. They are my habits, my lifestyle, my thought patterns, my daily motivations. At first it was frustrating to recognize that my problems stemmed from my habits, but each time I journaled and reflected for class, I found myself building a map, or a guide, to help me overcome these pesky problems.

For example, I have always struggled with getting my creative ideas out in a productive manner. My brain gets jumbled, and I find myself lost in the mess. Throughout my travels, classes, and relationships this summer, I have been able to gain inspiration left and right and have slowly learned how to develop a system for collecting this information along the way.

For anyone questioning what they should do next in their young adult life and college career, I urge you to sign up for JSB or another study abroad program. You will not only learn about the rich culture and history of Europe, but also deep revelations about yourself and where you are headed.

“Just keep swimming”

This photo was taken in Sicily at a beautiful vineyard hotel week five of the program. My classmates and I flopped around in the pool after a long day of travel. Although we were all feeling pretty homesick, we laughed more than we ever have and I felt truly connected to my classmates.

-Eva Farrish