Memories we make and sometimes capture them on our devices every single day. Oftentimes looking back brings many emotions, happiness, nostalgia, and more. Many times, in these videos and photos there are people in them and that’s what makes memories last to the people. Sometimes the best stories come from unexpected events that happen along the way. Sharing stories with others from years ago about that special trip, party, or in my case a school class.  

Me and my group all together at the end of the class! 

First day of school 

Walking into UC3M for the first time felt like I was starting my first day studying abroad at a new school. I didn’t know anyone would be in my first-class radio workshop. I wasn’t even supposed to be in this class. It just so happened that the class was the only one available without conflicts in my schedule. What is a radio workshop? A radio workshop is a class where you learn about radio. We learn about the history and different techniques so we can have the best possible show, and eventually, we end up creating our own radio show in the studio.  

I walk into the classroom and as expected, everyone is speaking another language. I found out shortly thereafter I was the only American in the entire class. The class featured people from many different places in the world, Spain, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, France, and definitely a few more I’m not quite remembering. We are put into groups on the second day of class for our radio team, and I clearly remember being put into group three! 

My group and I discussing the project 

Meeting New People 

The radio workshop class is taken in the second year of the UC3M program and with no experience I was worried if not having the prerequisites would affect me. Shortly after getting into the group, I realized I would be fine. They knew I was American almost immediately probably because of the way I talk, dress, or looked like I had no idea what I was doing! I introduced myself to my group mates, Aleka, Mario, Nicola, Noy, Manuela, Alonso. We talked for a few minutes about ourselves, where we are from, and how I’m doing a semester exchange in Madrid. They were so nice, translating everything for me, taking me to the school cafeteria, and explaining their major program.  

Recording are first radio show 

Trying New Things 

Next few classes we toured and started working in the radio studio where we would be recording our own group radio show! Our group name is Guiris, which means an easily identifiable tourist because for 7 people we had people from five different countries with everyone speaking multiple languages except me lol. When we started working in the radio station there was constant laughing, joking around and not exactly knowing what we were doing. Figuring out how to position the microphone so they wouldn’t hear breathing, what swearing words were allowed for comedy purposes and adding funny music. I had no clue how most of the process worked only a few weeks ago, but I slowly started to learn. Learning anything new takes time but my team helps encourage me. Our show was talking about our differences in culture which was easy to come up with because of all the places we were from. By the end of the course, we had a 20-minute show! Not bad for some people who had never entered the studio before the start of the school season. 

Walking to class at UC3M 

Leaving Uc3m for the final time 

Lifelong Memories 

The best memories often come from unexpected times because of the people you meet along the journey. I never expected to take this class, and I’ll tell you something I’ll never forget: How many times am I going to have the chance to take a class about radio in a country I have never been to before with amazing people I might never see again? Probably one, and I believe this happened for a reason. I’m so thankful for this class because I learned how to work with others, try something new, and to no surprise I would probably get a zero if I took the final today. However, I do remember the people, all I can say is thank you a piece of my heart will forever be inside the UC3M halls because of you! 

This blog was written by Brendan Higgins, a CEA CAPA Alum from the University of Massachusetts, who studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain.