WI by Emma

WI by Emma - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

Life is all about experience. As cliche as it sounds, the places, the people, and the attributes that follow distinguish an individual from others. Why not make it original? A story no one else can tell? While studying abroad seems to be another add-on to the infinite list of student expenses, it is a learning experience that takes one’s perspective from local to global. Overseas education should be an included aspect of our nation’s college curriculum to ensure that America’s next generation of leaders and innovators each enter the workforce equipped with unique skills and personal insights all derived from their endeavors abroad.
Everyone is aware of the social media tricks that present a false reality to the public. Each day, a new article is released about a photoshop scandal in a teen-fashion magazine, or a socialites deceiving Instagram feed. Our national news lines broadcast distorted stereotypes of the world abroad as well by exposing war-break outs and terrorist attacks, while keeping the good of humanity in the dark. These false judgments can only be dismissed by exploring the world beyond the face of a television screen. Seeking to understand the customs, beliefs, and traditions of other societies is the first step toward befriending cultures diverse from our own. One who takes the time to interact with the local communities of countries said to be filled with chaos and terrorism will uncover the true compassion in others, and see that people who live oceans away are just like neighbors back at home. Students who explore the daily life of individuals beyond national borders will return home with a fresh and honest perspective of the world that couldn’t possibly be obtained from a classroom setting.
Of course this isn’t to say that traveling abroad isn’t frightening. Leaving everything behind and traveling abroad can be just as far out of one’s comfort zone as it is from home, however, this state of temporary uneasiness is where growth and maturity resides. Autonomy can not be taught in a familiar environment, and incorporating studies abroad as a part of the nation’s college curriculum allows young minds the chance to acquire self-reliance while developing compassion for people outside of their mundane life. Just like any individual, no international adventure will bring the same results; but each student will graduate with a genuine view of our neighbors abroad, and lifelong relationships that will support harmonious global connections among the nation’s next leaders of the workforce.