Global May Paris

My STEP Signature Project was a study abroad trip to Paris for two weeks. While in Paris I explored the extensive history of the city by visiting important historical sites. At these sites I was able to gain a greater understanding of their historical and cultural significance in the shaping of the Parisian landscape.

I learned a lot about myself and about traveling abroad during this project. I consider myself a fairly reserved and quiet person, so this trip was a challenge for me to step out of my comfort zone. The main thing I learned about myself while on this trip was that I have the ability to step out of that zone and explore the culture and history of other countries. I do not believe this trip would have been nearly as transformational and fun as it was if I had not learned how to branch out into the world a little more than I was used to. This experience has given me the courage to explore more opportunities like this one to continue to broaden my understanding of the world.

Another thing I learned while in Paris was that cities are not what they are displayed as in pictures and articles. Often what we imagine a city to be before we travel there is something much different. Although I had a great time and transformational experience completing this project, I learned that Paris is a city that has flaws just like any other. I have learned not to make assumptions about cities because they can be much more, or less, than they appear to be.

One of the biggest things about my STEP Signature Project that caused me to step out of my comfort zone was the days where we had free time while in Paris. On these days we were left to find our own things to do and explore the city how we wanted. This was something I was not incredibly used to, but I found a group of people that I had never known before the trip, and we all explored the city together. I think this experience having my own way of learning about the city and its culture was incredibly transformational and allowed me to leave that comfort zone, something I was not comfortable doing in the past. The people I hung out with challenged me to go places and do things I may have never had the opportunity to otherwise, and I will be grateful for that for a long time.

The experiences which lead to me approaching cities with an open mind were ones involving people and places. While in Paris, we took the metro, the Parisian subway, everywhere. It was truly the easiest way to get around the city. However, the subway in Paris was very interesting, and we were warned ahead of time to be aware of our belongings and wary of other passengers. This side of Paris was one that I had never seen or heard about before, so getting to experience it firsthand really changed my perspective of the city a bit. It also made me realize that every city has its ugly side, even though Paris had always been made out to be nothing but beautiful. Despite the experiences on the metro, however, I also met a lot of people that showed me how beautiful Paris is. Often at the museums and places we went the group had a tour guide that would provide us with information on the landmarks and important things to notice. I learned a lot from these people and they really opened my eyes to things that I would never have known about, some things that you just cannot read about.

These experiences have really shaped my outlook on what I personally can do in life. I learned that I have the ability to step out of my comfort zone, even though at times it feels difficult and terrifying. We all have the ability to do things we never imagined we could do, and I think this STEP Signature Project has really increased the belief I have in myself for achieving everything I want out of life. Life does not come easily, we have to work for it and do things that may seem impossible, but we are completely capable of doing.

I also learned that I can’t take everyone’s opinions to heart about places. I have to make my own decisions for myself on what I think a city is like or a landmark or an activity. Sometimes people have their own ideas about things that in their mind are the whole truth, but I think it is important for us to seek our own truth about the world and cultures of other countries. I have come from this STEP Signature Project transformed into someone who takes more time to consider a country and a culture from a different perspective instead of making quick assumptions about the livelihood that people hold dearly.

These changes that I have experienced due to my STEP Signature Project will guide my decisions for the rest of my life. It is incredibly important to be aware and understanding of other cultures and people from other countries. Experiencing another culture firsthand has allowed me to gain a more knowledge on how to be more understanding of these countries and people. These skills are key to my future career goals. In any professional setting, having the ability to connect with those from different backgrounds as my own will be crucial to my success. As for my last year at Ohio State, these skills will also help contribute to my success as a student and a peer. I will be better able to discuss and communicate with my fellow students thanks to this transformational STEP Signature Project.