The Impact of an International Churro by Monica

The Impact of an International Churro by Monica - July 2015 Scholarship Essay

Global understanding and communication are vital in today’s society. During my time as a student of my university and, beyond that, during my time as a global citizen, I aspire to lead my peers in cross-cultural awareness and communication, and demonstrate my dedication to bringing diverse groups of people together. The value and passion I now place into my goal originate from when I first wandered the streets of Spain while studying abroad.

The frigid air kissed my nose while my thick, woven scarf warmed my neck. My breath was visible in the air and traveled up to the city lights. The lights were draped across the sky, connecting the old, storytelling buildings. Like stars, the lights enchanted me and led me along the Spanish cobblestone road. The store windows lined the road and reflected my spellbound reflection. The total excitement of my school trip to Spain fluttered in my stomach. Up ahead a warm glow was emanating from an open door. As I walked closer, an aroma of utter sweetness swept over me. My foot crossed the threshold, and I was immediately wrapped in comfort. Before me were stacks of magical pastries taunting me behind the glass display. The churros, perfectly sprinkled with sugar, were beckoning me to try them.

The charm of Spain soon lost its effect, however, because when I made eye contact with the woman behind the counter, I immediately felt intimidated. Somehow I had to convey to this woman my want for a delicious churro. The barrier between my world and hers had never been so obvious to me. Driven by the sweet smells, though, I tried to ask for the churro. I had never even paid for something in Euros let alone communicated in Spanish in Toledo, España. If I had been talking to a classmate in Spanish at school, I could substitute an unknown word with English; however, now English was not an option. At that moment, I had to embrace all my learning in order to communicate. As I stumbled through the words, my harsh English accent contrasted with the woman’s graceful and romantic responses. Hoping I did not make an embarrassing mistake, I nervously counted out my Euros, and when she handed me a churro, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratification. I slowly took a bite of the delectable pastry and was sent straight into a blanket of euphoria. The delicate, yet crunchy outside, sweetly surrounded the snug, airy inside delight. That first bite was the epitome of satisfaction. Engrossed in my success, I inhaled the rest of the churro. I walked up to the woman again, and with an astoundingly greater amount of ease, I asked for another churro. The Spanish flowed over my contented taste buds with such fluidity this time that I even found the confidence to ask for a side of hot, dipping chocolate as well. With my churro and chocolate in tow, I pranced out of the shop with the feeling of ultimate accomplishment.

As I strolled down the Spanish cobblestone, dipping my churro in the velvety chocolate, I suddenly realized that with every passerby I had the same barrier. I was the outsider. Although I had frequently moved around as a kid and had an understanding of people in different regions of my country, I had never been so fully engulfed by a new culture. By ordering those churros, I delved into a completely distinctive lifestyle. My reality had been altered, and, for the first time, I saw the world for how big it actually is. The most exciting part is that I was able to accomplish something entirely on my own in such a foreign situation. Even though I was removed from my everyday environment, I successfully achieved something exclusively. With just one bite of a churro, I felt myself mature and individualize. I had come to understand the power of global culture, communication, and connections. Not only did the sugary, fluffy churros reward my stomach, but they also rewarded my perspective, in that my grasp on the immense world became firmer and the possibilities seemed within reach.

The possibilities on my own campus taste just as good as the success of the churro from Spain did. Although I have many goals throughout my college career, my foremost goal is to hold onto that global grasp I achieved in Spain and further build upon the realization and awareness. It would be naïve of me to think that moment was all there is to understand about the enormity of how the world functions. I recognize college is a formative and malleable time and I will encounter many perspectives and challenges; however, I aim to take this great change ahead of me in stride in order to better myself and better those around me. In fact, I intend to take my studies abroad again, this time to Scotland, with the objective to acquire even more global insight and broadening experiences. Ultimately, I strive to spread the global awareness and communication I have learned and will learn throughout my own campus and leave an impact, as strong as the churros influenced me, on my fellow peers.