A Window of Opportunity by Sheryl

A Window of Opportunity by Sheryl - March 2016 Scholarship Essay

John A. Shedd once said, “A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.” Much like a student can be safe and comfortable in the classroom, that's not the point of learning. The principles of learning encompass not only hard skills, such as the comprehension of knowledge, but also soft skills that can be applied to real-world life. While academic institutions can teach the basis of one’s desired career path, study abroad programs allow students to put what they learn in the classroom to everyday use. For example, although I could study the geography of Greece, being able to step on East-Central Europe’s terrain is even more worthwhile. With globalization and a more interconnected world than ever, it is crucial to get our young leaders equipped with knowledge, as well as necessary “street-smart” experience. In order to do so, they must seize a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: study abroad.
For a sixteen-year old, I have had my fare share of traveling to over twenty countries; each trip, whether small or large, has taught me new things I would’ve never learned about myself.
I can vividly recall my trip to Santorini, Greece. The city had a bunch of different routes to get down to the shore: footpaths, gondolas, taxis, etc. Unfortunately, my family and I took the road less traveled: the donkey walkway. Walking down six-hundred zigzag cobblestone steps in the blistering summer heat was like a bad race in Mario Kart. As the donkeys’ metal hooves scratched the surface of the rocks, the ground became slippery. The inexperienced tourists riding the wild donkeys had zero control and left them running in random directions, bumping everything in their way. Before I even knew what was happening, my dad was on the ground fumbling for his glasses and brushing off the black dirt from his jeans. His arms were gushing with blood and his knee began to swell. A burly Greek man quickly rushed over and asked if we needed help – for €5. While this account seems quite jocular, this experience has highlighted the importance of considering all the important facts in a situation before deciding to do something.
In another instance, when I traveled to Saint Petersburg, Russia, the country of onion domes, icon paintings, and impressive ballet, I practiced my Russian speaking skills on the waiters. As I was being served borscht and apple sharlotka, I confidently expressed my gratitude through my limited and broken Russian: “Спасибо, я люблю борщ!” Although I’ve been studying Russian for three years in high school, this cultural experience gave me insight into Russian etiquette and culture. Furthermore, going through two hours of visa applications and check-ins, I learned about the stringent Russian government policies towards American visitors.
Many scenarios like this are why the study abroad experience is invaluable. For many, it is a student’s first adult experience of being away for an extended period of time in a different environment. Through cultural barriers, students will learn to deal with diverse groups of people. By being surrounded by it on a daily basis, students pick up little bits and pieces of a foreign language. They will appreciate diversity firsthand and dismiss false stereotypes of countries and their people. That sense of being overseas fosters students’ sense of national identity, as well as the “street smart” skills required to live and integrate in another society. In a foreign country, students can continue to further their higher education. They learn something new with a global perspective. By globalizing themselves, students can enhance the value of their undergraduate degree and gain an advantage in the competitive work force. Not all classes in college will emphasize hands-on learning, so traveling abroad will allow students to interact with people from all over the world and above all, further their unquenchable curiosity and passions.
As these “ships” set sail and navigate the open seas, students can engage and thrive in the world around them.