Why did you choose to study or intern abroad?
Studying abroad represents a chance for me to reconnect with the creative, curious parts of my identity that shaped who I was before embarking on the rigor of a pre-medical path that has dimmed many of my interests, leaving me longing for a bit of adventure and change! Growing up, I found meaning through various creative and athletic hobbies that shaped my identity—passions deeply tied to my family, heritage, and sense of place that was forged through extensive traveling throughout my childhood. Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to slow down, explore new cultures, and rediscover creativity through art, travel, food, nature, and reflection. I chose to study abroad in Seville since I am very familiar with the culture, and the fact that this enchanting city left a mark on me the first time I visited, giving me the impression that it would give me an authentic experience of the culture and opportunity to study the language.

What IS ONE NEW EXPERIENCE YOU'RE HOPING TO HAVE WHILE ABROAD?
A new experience that I would love to have abroad is celebrating a cultural holiday in a given country. Holidays are much different in Europe than they are in the US which I have come to know from my last seven Christmases in Spain. Studying abroad in the spring gives me the unique opportunity to participate in Carnivale Season, Semana Santa, and La Feria. These are all unique holidays in Spain and Italy that I have never experienced before and cannot wait to experience while abroad. I am especially looking forward to buying customary fashion for La Feria!

What CLASS ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO TAKING while ABROAD?
I am planning on taking a painting class and a classical mythology class while abroad. In my last five semesters at school, I have not taken a single humanities class–only math, chemistry, physics, biology, and social sciences– so I look forward to the opportunity to engage in other forms of learning and new subjects! The painting class I am interested in taking does field trips to various historical monuments in Seville to explore the city, and creates a portfolio as a study abroad souvenir. The classics class explores history relating to the Roman Empire which runs deep in my Italian heritage, something I am extremely excited for!

WHAT IS SOMETHING you're passionate and excited about? 
I am extremely passionate about nature, art, food, music, and sports! I already have a bucket list of things I cannot wait to do, such as taking a Moorish hand-painted ceramics class in Andalusia or Morocco, watching flamenco in Seville, taking a pasta-making class in Italy, going to an FC Barcelona soccer game, hiking in the Dolomites or Interlaken, touring a vineyard for wine-tasting in France, and exploring techno music heritage in Berlin. I love festivals and fashion, so I likewise cannot wait to experience European festivals such as Carnivale in Italy where my twin sister is studying, Tulip festival in Amsterdam, Cherry Blossom festival in Germany, and La Feria de Abril in Sevilla.