From Nervous to Independent During a Summer in Barcelona
When I first arrived in Barcelona, I vividly remember feeling both excitement and intimidation. This was my first time ever traveling to a new country alone, and not only was I entering into a completely new and diverse culture, but I was also walking into an unknown hospital shadowing environment.
Walking into a city full of color and music; stepping over my fear of starting something new.
On my first day, walking through the colorful streets, I began to ease my hesitation by meeting the other students in my group, learning that they, too, were feeling anxious. Together, we connected through our shared jitters and took in the city around us. Navigating the metro, learning to order my favorite foods in Spanish, gaining the confidence to ask the doctors questions, and adapting to a new space and pace of life. Through these little victories, my confidence continued to build during my time abroad.
Our very first walk as a group: meeting new friends and discovering the enchanting parts of Barcelona.
Looking out to the vast blue sea and realizing how big the world can be once I step out of my comfort zone.
Shadowing doctors in the nearby hospitals pushed me even further out of my comfort zone. As a pre-medical student in my sophomore year of college, the medical environment, even in the United States, was still very intimidating. However, after a few days of learning more about the Spanish medical system, culture, and meeting with the doctors, I began to feel more and more comfortable in this unfamiliar space. I learned by asking thoughtful questions, observing the doctors in practice, and sitting in the discomfort of not having every answer.
Learning to look up more and be more present in the moment.
Overall, these moments made me grow both as a student and as a person. Every day was a new experience. Not only did I learn about the procedures of a hospital and medical insights, but I also learned to trust myself and feel self-assured in who I am.
Taste-testing my way through Barcelona, starting with my favorite dessert!
My day of trying new things: eating different foods, shopping around the square, and spending time with new friends.
As the end of my travel experience approached, I reflected on what I gained from this trip. I felt outgoing, confident, and free. Even my mom saw a new version of me. Living abroad in Spain not only gave me a newfound freedom, but it also taught me that independence is more than just doing things alone: it’s about trusting yourself and being willing to face the unknown.
Discovering the quiet corners of the country and wandering down the little paths.
Embracing the greenery, sunshine, and joy! Smiling, because I’m finally feeling free and able to be myself.
On top of that, it’s about being open to learning from unfamiliar experiences. My confidence didn’t just come from the big moments; it also came from the small ones, like friendly conversations with my neighbors or wandering the busy public square with my new friends.
Ending the journey with people who made the experience feel like home, and enjoying our last dinner together, grateful for how far we’ve come.
In all, both the big and the little moments made my trip special; from early-morning wake-ups and walking to the hospital with friends to late-night dinners while laughing and listening to music. Barcelona didn’t just give me new memories and new friends, but it also helped me discover the courage to grow, explore, and feel comfortable in a new place.
