Before going on this journey, part of me had a hard time believing that a 20-year-old girl like me from the Bronx would have the opportunity to study and travel, let alone to three continents and 11 countries all while residing on a ship. Leading up to my fall semester, I constantly found myself waiting for that other shoe to drop and for someone to tell me I would be spending my semester in Oswego. I remember sharing the news to family and friends that I would be studying at sea and everyone thought I was crazy, but in my eyes, I knew taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone would allow me to come face to face with the growth I’ve been chasing after these last four years. Gratefully, the other shoe never came and my journey began on September 9th in Amsterdam, Netherlands.Â
I remember the first day stepping onto the ship, I was overwhelmed with a number of emotions. I had no idea what to expect. It felt like the first day of college all over again, but in this particular situation everyone was the new kid so we were able to confide in one another on how different and exhilarating this new chapter we were about to embark on felt. When applying I knew Semester at Sea would be life-changing, but you don’t really know until you’re living through it and I was right. The program did change my life. Every week I woke up in a new country that left me something much greater than any souvenir ever could, a new perspective. There were many days I found myself in disbelief that this was the life I was currently living, I had to constantly remind myself that I was worthy and deserved to be there. I guess you can say the Imposter Syndrome kicked in.Â
During those 4 months, I constantly found myself challenged whether it be life on the ship or traveling in the country, but every lesson and memory is one that I value and am reminded of each and every day, even post-voyage. Living on a ship with 700+ individuals that included students, faculty and staff, lifelong learners, ship kids, and crew members. Every person I encountered I was able to learn something different about them, their culture, and my own culture. While traveling the world you have many opportunities that leave you speechless on what you have experienced, and these experiences are carried over into discussions. These discussions ultimately sparked passion and self-realization. I genuinely believe that if I hadn’t studied abroad it would have taken me longer than it did to learn these things. Studying abroad ultimately shifted my perspective on many things and it was an experience of a lifetime, one I’m fortunate to have experienced. I want my journey to encourage other students of color to take the leap of faith, do research, and explore the possibility of studying abroad because it is doable!