Blog Post 4

 Personal Development


    I have found that I have had. a great deal of personal development while embarking on this experience out of the country. Aside from class or immersion activities, I have changed as a human being and as a citizen as a result of experiencing different culture and learning to adapt to the norms of others. I find this to be a very humbling journey that has also allowed me to put myself in a vulnerable position to feel like an outcast doing daily tasks. Coming into this experience, I was constantly embarrassed to even attempt to speak in Spanish or understand what others might be saying. I also felt as though very person on the street could look at me and know I was from America, and that I am lesser than them. I felt almost like an invasive species. It has taken a lot for me to step out of this nervous and standoffish way I had been acting in in order to better immerse and challenge myself to try to make an effort to learn how to feel more comfortable and competent in another culture and language. 

    Outside of language, I have also found myself doing things, and hanging out with people that are not typical for me in the past. I have come to really enjoy this way of living outside of my comfort zone and trying new things. Whether it be foods, simple activities, new sight seeing spots, or a new friend, this continuous expansion of interests and experiences has aged me what feels like 5 years. I definitely enjoy being able to better understand and communicate with people from Murcia in order to make them feel more comfortable while also feeling more comfortable myself. I have found that Spanish people also rally admire and appreciate when you attempt to connect with them, even if the language is choppy or incorrect. I have began to feel more comfortable within myself to make the active effort of doing new things everyday even if they are new or nerve racking. It teaches me patience with myself and establishes patience with one another because our entire group is in the same boat of working to better understand the language, culture, and each other. I also think that becoming apart of a close knit group here has taught me to be open to all perspectives, as well as take advantage of every opportunity presented. 

    Overall, I find that the entirety of my experience in the Murcia program has given me the opportunity to become a more well rounded person, hopefully someone to count on, and established a better sense of those around me.

Comments

  1. Lauren PollakJune 15, 2025 at 6:57 AM

    I have also at times felt that I standout as being American whenever I am in public, which can be uncomfortable at times. I have noticed that the spaniards really appreciate it when you try to speak spanish to them, and I have really appreciated that because it makes uncomfortable situations feel more comfortable. I'm glad to hear that you have been stepping out of your comfort zone and have felt yourself stepping out of your comfort zone.

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