STEP Reflections

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.

I participated in Global May Great Britain which is a one-month study abroad course based in London, England that entails morning class and afternoon excursions. I learned about the history, society, and diversity of Britain and explored the city as well as other parts of England over the course of the month. Some of the main activities were visiting Edinburgh, having tea at Fortnum and Mason, going to many famous museums, and taking a trip to Oxford University.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?

Looking back on the month as a whole, I can see the small yet impactful ways I have been changed by London. I am more aware of the world around me. I have more motivation to go out in the world and explore. I am no longer intimidated to do things that scare me. But most importantly, I have a new sense of independence that I wouldn’t have obtained just by going to college. Being the oldest child, my parents have always helped me do all of the ‘firsts’ such as choosing a college, leasing a house, and planning trips. Since I didn’t grow up watching someone else do anything first, my parents led me along the way. I have always appreciated their constant support, but there have been many times when I wanted to do things on my own and they wanted to do them for me.  In London, I was truly on my own. I was paying for everything, finding my way around, and planning things to do on my own. It felt amazing, even when I was making mistakes. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to go to London, because it gave me a new sense of independence I didn’t know I was missing.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?

Learning how to navigate London was the first challenge I had to overcome while abroad. Using the Tube and learning the bus system was complicated at first, but since I had to do it all on my own I was forced to learn very quickly. By the second day, I had learned how to get anywhere in the city. I had no reason to be intimidated, and I eventually became less scared to try other new things in London because I knew I could figure it out.

Planning my own separate trip to Dublin, Ireland was a lot of work but worth it in the end. This part of my month overseas was not part of the Global May Great Britain’s itinerary. I chose to take a trip to Ireland on our free weekend because it is somewhere I have always wanted to go. Figuring out flights, taxis, a hotel, and things to do while there took a lot of planning, but the trip as a whole taught me how much I love to explore the world.

Paying for everything on my own was perhaps the biggest factor that has led to my new sense of independence. Food, excursions, clothes, a trip to Dublin, and gifts for my family were all things I paid for myself. It feels really good to not have to rely on your parents and be completely fine on your own.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?

Independence is a trait that is imperative to have when you’re in college and when you enter the real world. In nursing, you have to be able to make extremely important decisions regarding your patients’ safety. Yes, healthcare is a team effort; however, in order to be a good nurse you have to be able to independently create care plans and think on your feet. After being able to navigate London for an entire month, I trust myself more than I ever have. Independence is also going to be helpful for me in life in general. After my undergraduate career is over, life truly begins. I will truly be supporting myself on my own. I needed this study abroad experience to prove to myself that I can do it.