Back and Better

It's been two weeks since I've returned home from studying abroad in Tarija, it feels like a dream now that it's over. Initially, my goals were clear—to gain exposure to healthcare and medicine and test my interest in medicine. "Do I truly want to pursue medicine? How badly do I want it? Am I willing to do whatever it takes, and am I even capable?". Being the first in my family to go to college, I don't have many people to look up to for academic guidance. Before studying abroad, I was overwhelmed with finding a balance in managing different aspects of life, but now I learned the importance of taking care of yourself, valuing yourself, setting boundaries, and nurturing your relationships. During my time abroad, with the help of my friends and mentors, my interest in medicine grew; what once seemed impossible suddenly seemed more attainable. In terms of learning the language, my biggest worry was communication. My first week was difficult as I was adjusting to a new language. It was bad to the point that I didn't want to go out because that would mean having to talk to people. My mentors were right though; the more I immersed myself in the culture, the easier it became to learn how to communicate. In the end, I learned that although I felt uncomfortable at first, the more I started speaking and practicing was when I started to feel more comfortable and build some familiarity with Spanish. I learned not to let fear stop me from having new experiences that I could grow from. I also experienced a lot from the people I interacted with, how nice they were, and how they welcomed me into their homes as we learned more about each other. I was able to recognize the humanity in my encounters as it fostered understanding and connection.

As I move forward, I carry with me the memories of Tarija—the people, the culture, and the challenges. These will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors, influencing my academic and personal journey. If I could give myself some advice before beginning the program, it would be to relax and not to worry so much, and that in the end, everything has its own way of working out. That to never let fear stop you from having new experiences to grow and the importance of seeing the humanity in everyone you encounter. To make the most of your time abroad, explore, be curious, don't be afraid to ask questions, and take the time to truly know the people around you. Cherish the moments, for they are the building blocks of a richer, more nuanced understanding of yourself and the world.