STEP Signature Project

Name: Maria Cantemir

Type of Project: Education Abroad

 

So what was your project?

My STEP Signature Project entailed me studying abroad at the University of Sorbonne in Paris, France. There, I took classes not only on French language and grammar, but culture (such as a class on the history of French fashion, the history of the French language etc.). The program I studied abroad with (ISA) additionally took us on cultural excursions to different parts of France (Normandy) as well as to Belgium.

 

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

The biggest transformation in my understanding of myself was going from thinking of myself as someone a bit more reserved and thoughtful to someone who revels in spontaneity and the unexpected. I’ve always enjoyed traveling and while this wasn’t my first international solo travel experience, it was the first time I actually considered myself to be living in a foreign country. All of the challenges and difficulties that came along with this experience inspired me to be more confident and taught me how to handle uncomfortable situations on my own. I now no longer rush to call my parents the first second something goes badly; I can now strike up conversations with total strangers (which I’ve had trouble doing in the past); my stress-levels don’t immediately rise when things don’t go along with my meticulous plans; I’m not afraid to make mistakes anymore. Really, the biggest change was that I “came out of my shell”, so to speak, and I’m looking forward to using my new-found confidence in all of my future endeavors.

 

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?

One of the biggest things I learned in this experience was that when things don’t go according to plan, it’s ok. In fact, I’ve learned that while certain things definitely do need to be planned ahead of time (loding, transportation etc.), it’s nice to leave things to chance sometimes. I learned this most clearly when I traveled to the UK over fall break where I visited a friend in Durham, England and then traveled to both London and Loch Ness in Scotland. In London, we had a set-schedule that was ruined due to delays and health issues. While initially I was very frustrated and irritated, we actually ended up doing “more fun” spontaneous things (ie. going to a street music festival celebrating African artists) than what we had originally planned (ie. a tour of the National Gallery). This taught me that as long as I’m open to change, I’ll still manage to have a good time.

Another important life lesson is that it’s ok to be wrong as long as I learn from my mistake. I learned this most clearly in my French courses, which were quite honestly some of the most difficult courses I have ever taken. This was due in part to the French grading/teaching system but additionally due to the content itself. I placed into the most challenging course the Sorbonne offered (C1), and I have never, ever, ever in my life encountered a French class so difficult. It felt like every single grammar rule I thought I knew to a T 1.) suddenly had exceptions and 2.) I was expected to know these exceptions and 3.) by not knowing these exceptions, I was significantly behind my peers. I had to spend quite a bit of time outside of class learning both the materials and trying to patch the holes in my knowledge, but ultimately what helped the most was not being afraid to “ask” dumb questions in class as well as getting rid of my fear of responding with an incorrect answer so that I could listen to what really was the correct answer. Ultimately, I realized that my education is worth more than my pride, and I’m so happy I got to learn this.

Finally, I learned to truly depend on myself. Before, I would always consult my parents when it came to important decisions because I valued their input and opinions. I definitely still do value these things, but I definitely learned to depend on myself when I don’t have the time/option to consult anyone else. I realized this most clearly when the metro suddenly closed when I was supposed to be on my way to the airport. If I didn’t figure out a solution ASAP, I was going to miss my flight, so I took decisions on my own and worked out a solution by myself.

 

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

These changes are so significant to my life because they’ve completely affected my decision process. I’m now much more able to understand what’s important and therefore streamline making a decision while being more confident in that if something goes amiss, I’ll be able to handle it one way or another. These are such important skills for me to have because as a lawyer, I’ll be faced with having to make quick decisions almost constantly if I go to trial. Learning how to do this now as opposed to while actually practicing is invaluable in terms of career success and potential. Overall, my experience studying abroad has better prepared me for my career while also helping me to ameliorate my self-confidence.

One thought on “STEP Signature Project

  1. Hey Maria,, It sounds like you had an amazing and enlightening time in Serbonne! It’s great that you were able to come away from this with both a better understanding of yourself and your unique abilities as well as a broader picture of our wonderful world. Learning to try even if it means occasional failure, in the pursuit of self-improvement, is an important life skill to have! I hope you continue to develop your passions and keep up the adventurous hard work on the future!

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