“By failing to prepare, you prepare to fail.”

This is a phrase I have lived by my whole life. This phrase guided plans for which college I would attend, what extracurriculars I would participate in, research studies to work on and more. Having this plan provided a rigid outline of life where most of my days would be scheduled down to the minute. 

The opportunity to study abroad has changed my perception of what “achievement” is. I used to measure achievement by what I made on an exam, if I was awarded a position in a club or by marking things off of my to-do list. Achievement, now, is when I order a cappuccino correctly in Italian, navigate the metro correctly or eat food I have never tried before. The small victories in life eventually add up. 

My main goal coming into this program was to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. This started in the context of not planning my days; however, this mindset has expanded into different dimensions. I take comfort in this phrase when trying to order at a restaurant that does not cater to English-speakers, when I do not have a plan for the weekend, struggling when speaking with locals and being so far from home. 

Stepping outside of my comfort zone and experiencing life as it comes has been challenging but so rewarding. I have never had an opportunity that allows me to learn and grow as much as I have in the past 5 weeks. 

Learning that it is okay to “be” is sometimes harder said than done. I hope to take this mindset back home by starting to place value in connection and experiences over awards and high scores.

Merrill Ann Culverhouse