A different place, a different me

I don’t think my curiosity about the world ever came from one specific moment. It’s always kind of been there, growing up in a household where different cultures weren’t something distant, they were part of everyday life. My dad immigrated from Colombia, and from a young age he made it clear how important it is to respect other cultures, stay open minded, and not be afraid to try something unfamiliar. Whether it was food, language, or just the way people live, I learned early on that stepping outside of what you know is where you grow the most.

That mindset is what made me want to see the world for myself. I remember watching my brother’s girlfriend go abroad to Ireland and come back completely changed in the best way. She was more independent, more confident, and had this new perspective on life and people. It wasn’t just about where she went, it was about who she became while she was there. Seeing that made me realize that travel wasn’t just something fun to do, it was something that could shape you.

When I finally had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, I was excited, but I don’t think I fully understood what it would feel like until I got there. It was my first time in Europe, and there’s something about being in a completely unfamiliar place where you don’t fully know the language, the routines, or even how to navigate your day that forces you to figure things out quickly. There were moments at the beginning where I felt out of place and honestly a little overwhelmed. Being alone in a foreign country sounds exciting, but it also comes with a quiet kind of discomfort that you don’t expect.

Over time, that discomfort turned into confidence. Simple things like ordering coffee, figuring out transportation, or just walking through the city started to feel natural. I stopped feeling like I was just visiting and started feeling like I was actually living there. That shift was something I didn’t expect, but it ended up being one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

Living in Rome also changed the way I see people. When you’re surrounded by different languages, traditions, and ways of life every day, you realize how much there is to learn from simply paying attention and being present. It made me appreciate how connected we all are, even when things seem so different on the surface.

Looking back, studying abroad wasn’t just about traveling or seeing new places. It was about learning how to adapt, how to be comfortable being uncomfortable, and how to navigate the world with more awareness and respect. It reinforced everything my dad had always taught me growing up, but in a way that I could experience for myself. And that’s something I’ll carry with me wherever I go next.