Madrid 2025
A Fresh Start
Ready for the workforce, I began my search to graduate as soon as possible. I talked to advisors and program directors until I came across different strategies to move forward. As pieces began to fit together, opportunities aligned as my determination led me to take on a familiar, yet unexpected journey.
Not too long before my journey, my life had been flipped upside-down. I was left with a lost sense of self, ready to find healing while exploring more of who I am and envisioning who I want to be. By daring to venture, wrestling with autonomy, and fostering connections, I propelled myself towards a newly defined destiny.
1
Dare to Venture
Exploring new places and meeting new people while redefining my purpose.
2
Wrestling With Autonomy
Navigating adulthood while defining what success means to me.
3
Fostering Connections
Showing appreciation for the people around me through learning how to strengthen relationships.
Venture
"an undertaking involving uncertainty as to the outcome, especially a risky or dangerous one."
Dare to Venture
Because this was a familiar journey, I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew I would have classes 5 days a week with a couple group excursions. I would live with a family I have never met before with different rules than I am used to. However, I did not expect this journey to be as incredible as my first time.
Living in a suburban town all of my life, I did not expect to enjoy a big city like Madrid. It just doesn't seem to fit my personality traits. I am usually socially anxious around big crowds and spend majority of my time with family, one-on-one with friends, or on my own. Additionally, I had never roomed with people my age, making for another odd feeling that this experience was going to be hard to adapt to. Even the idea of being lucky enough to have another great host family had put a cloud of doubt over my head. However, things did not turn out as expected.
Madrid was the most lively and exciting place I had ever been to. It was full of diversity, beautiful art, and talkative people. I found myself walking down the street with a group of girls from the area I had just met among a huge crowd of people underneath a night full of neon lights and cheerful chatter. Not knowing who they were, I trusted my instincts, which led me to a adventurous night I will remember for the rest of my life.
Not only did I enjoy taking the risk of exploring this busy city, but also was blessed with an amazing host family. Host momma Esther was the kindest soul I have ever met, full of life and energy so bright, she could have lit up all of Madrid. She was constantly teaching me something new, from self-care to life lessons, which was exactly what I needed.
Autonomy
"the ability to make independent decisions and act according to one's own will and values, free from undue external influence."
Wrestling With Autonomy
With my last journey to Spain, traveling with a few friends, getting to know most of the group, and having my entire trip planned out as a group, I had people to take me through every step of the way. On this journey, however, I did not know a soul. I was responsible for booking my own flights and to find my way using the subway stations every day to school.
By traveling across the world, away from my family, friends, and conveniences like having a car, I was left to navigate what felt like a new world all on my own. I had to build new connections and learn my way around the city all in a couple of days. However, being away from everything familiar left plenty of room for me to grow.
There was this liberating kind of freedom I felt, only traveling with a suitcase full of my belongings. I felt free to be whoever I wanted to be. To create the kind of life that I wanted to live, without being held back by relationships or materialistic things. Being out of my typical day-to-day opened me up to a life full of new experiences to explore and a new identity to mold.
I went to the library by myself and started finding new books to read. I journaled every day and reflected on how I could best utilize my time in Madrid. I explored on my own and made sure to put my physical and mental well-being first, ensuring that I had plenty of rest and time for self-care. I made time to fall in love with spending time with myself again, giving me the confidence to step out into the world and shine.
Foster
"to encourage or promote the growth or development of something"
Fostering Connections
By filling up my energy with positivity and ensuring I had plenty of rest, I prepared myself to better connect with others. Building new connections was the most rewarding part about my journey. I met people from all kinds of backgrounds. I learned how to integrate myself into new groups of people, which I have previously struggled to do. I found myself learning something new every day about others, as well as myself.
I found myself more present in the moment, enjoying every second I had with my new companions. I asked them questions, invited them to outings, and joined them for get togethers outside of class. I spent quality time with them and got to build more meaningful connections. Connections that felt truly fulfilling.
Through this, I had a huge support system that kept me feeling involved and excited for what each day would bring. I also had a group of people I could learn from and lean on during rough days. I felt like I was part of a family who care for one-another and enjoy each others company, which was the best feeling in the world. I even worked on homework with them, which made me both motivated and excited to learn.
By the end of my journey, I was ready to create a new routine while preparing for my next steps towards becoming the version of myself that I most aspire to be, with memories that will keep me smiling for a life time.