My STEP Signature Project was an education abroad opportunity through the Office of International Affairs on the Global May Paris program. Through weekly lectures in the classroom during the Spring Semester on campus and a two-week long immersion in the city itself, we learned how each neighborhood and it’s context in history shaped Paris into what it is today.
Before embarking on this trip, I lived a very comfortable life in which I lived in the same town, interacted with the same people, and took part in my usual activities. I had never been on a plane, let alone to another country. The thought of being in a foreign place with people I did not know was both exciting and terrifying, but I would not have experienced a transformation had it not been for these circumstances. I am much more confident in myself and my decisions now, whether it be something as simple as trying a new food or navigating a subway system in a language unknown to me. In addition, my view of France is completely different than the assumptions I had made before going. Despite what I had learned in high school history classes, I expected Paris to be a very one dimensional city filled with fair skinned people who only spoke French, but boy was I wrong. Paris is an international melting pot, consisting of every skin tone, language, and cuisine you could imagine. I was disappointed in myself for making these assumptions, but was thrilled with the amount of culture I was exposed to.
Several events and places caused this transformation within me. Unfortunately during our trip, there was an attack which caused protests within the city. While a lot of what I read and saw was upsetting, it showed to me that certain attitudes and viewpoints exist, regardless of which continent you are on.
On a more positive note, visiting the Trocadero gardens, which have the most amazing view of the Eiffel Tower became a ritual for us. My friends and I went there at least 5 times, both day and night, just to take in one of the most beautiful and universally recognized sites in the world. While relaxing there, it is hard to ignore the differences in everyone around you. You see the French couple on a date, the families with their young children running around, and us loud Americans laughing and having the time of our lives. It was moments like this where I truly appreciated how big and diverse our world is, and it only made me want to see more. In addition, we had an assignment in which we were instructed to sit in a café and write down everything we observe, stream of consciousness style. Paris café culture is quintessential in understanding the way of life, and it made me appreciate the pace and ease in which they approach their day to day activities. Food is meant to be enjoyed and your company is meant to be listened to. It taught me to slow down and enjoy the little things, and to not live such a hurried and chaotic life, much different than the ones that we embrace in the US.
With the transformation I experienced on this trip, I will go into my future career of Speech-Language Pathology with a greater appreciation of cultural and linguistic differences, which will in turn allow myself to provide the best care possible for the wide array of patients I will encounter and care for. Beyond that, my eyes have been opened to how much more of the world there is to see, and has pushed me to want to see all that I can. It is now a priority of mine to keep pushing these boundaries and immerse myself in farther places and cultures much different than my own, allowing myself to become the most well-rounded person I can be.