My STEP project was a four-week study abroad program in Salzburg Austria through the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). While there, I took two courses, one in English and one in German, and participated in excursions to Munich and Vienna. Before the program officially began, I did an optional two-day excursion in London.

I learned a lot about my German capabilities and limitations during this project. I had onlyever studied “German” German (known as “Bundes Deutsch” in Austria) before this summer and apparently this was evident from my accent, as my German teacher in Austria told me. I learned that I have some conspicuous gaps in my vocabulary when it comes to topics like legal terms and plant names. I got to bolster this vocabulary a bit during the trip, especially the latter category, which was aided by frequent trips to a local farmers market. I was glad to be able to see how Austria compared to and contrasted with eastern Germany, where I studied abroad in the past. I found them to be fairly similar culturally, as I had assumed they would be, especially in terms of public transport, but also found some differences. The biggest differences I encountered were food related, both in restaurants and the grocery store, both in product names and offerings.

The part of Austria I was in was also markedly different in some ways from eastern Germany because of the lack of Soviet influence and remnants thereof. The difference in cultures may have been difficult to spot at times, but the historical differences between Austria and Germany are impossible to miss simply from the physical appearance of cities. Though it may be a medium-sized European country today, Austria’s past as part of a powerful empire is visibly apparent. On an interpersonal level, I learned that like-minded people will find each other no matter the group size. Out of the twenty or so students in the program, I ended up befriending all of the music majors/minors and was able to attend an opera and a ballet with this group.

I don’t think I would have been able to (or rather, required to) practice my German as much if the trip had been comprised of students with the same language level. The language levels offered by the program were German 101, 201, and 301, meaning there was a wide range of skill levels among the program participants, including many absolute beginners. I was in the 301 course, which only had five total students and a fairly wide range of ability levels. For reference, the only other OSU student on the trip was also in this course, and she had just finished German 1103 at OSU, while I recently completed my first 4000 level course, German 4600. Among the group of people with whom I hung out, all German levels were represented, meaning that I was occasionally required to translate for friends or be the group representative when German speaking skills were required.

For example, I went to the opera with several friends who were all in the 201 course and was put in charge of buying tickets. I helped a few friends buy groceries for the first time, and helped a friend track down conditioner for her hair, which is strangely difficult to find in Austria and Germany. Outside of using German in a group setting, I also practiced some important skills on my own when I caught a cold and had to buy medicine at a pharmacy. Austrian pharmacies are set up differently from those in America, in that you have to directly ask a pharmacist if you want medicines like pain killers or cold medicine. I was very intimidated at first because I did not know the Austrian brand names for basic medicines like Ibuprofen or things like Dayquil and was very nervous to actually speak to a pharmacist because I was afraid I would lack the vocabulary to answer or even understand their questions. Luckily, we did a segment focusing on sickness and associated vocabulary in German 301, and I was able to successfully buy cold medicine fully in German during the last week of the program.

I was able to get a better idea of how Germany and Austria are historically different by visiting the capital, Vienna. Vienna and Berlin are similar in that they are massive, German-speaking capital cities that are essentially city states where the governmental seat of power currently resides, but different many other respects. Berlin clearly preserves and memorializes the effects of WWII and the subsequent cold war period, with some of the biggest city tourist attractions being the Holocaust Memorial, the remains of the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie. The period of history before 1900 is far from being the focus of a visit to the city. Austria’s capital very much focuses on the imperial past of the city as the seat of the Austro-Hungarian empire. This palpable difference really helped me definitively disassociate Austria with Germany, something I had been having a lot of trouble doing previously.

The chance to practice my German in a real-life setting and get a feel for what living in Austria is like were both greatly appreciated because I plan to apply to a Fulbright English teaching assistant program in Austria when I graduate and, even if I do not get accepted to this program, plan to complete my Masters degree in a German speaking country. This experience has given me more confidence in my ability to live abroad, as well as given me some perspective on what the options for living in a German-speaking country are. Aside from this, my German professor was able to give me a resource I had never heard of that may help me in completing my undergraduate thesis that I cannot wait to share with my research advisor.

The STEP Signature Project that I took part in was the “Public Health Perspectives: Japan” study abroad. The program consisted of special lectures in Tokyo about different public health concerns in Japan, as well as a trip across the country to learn about many other ways in which health in Japan has been impacted. 

  I lived in an 1100 square foot box my entire life. This journey broke down one of those walls. I learned a lot that went past soundbites and textbooks. Listening to the stories of people who were at the forefront of tragedies in Japan and seeing these places with my own eyes changed how I view the world around me. Everything wasn’t so black and white anymore. Problems that once seemed simplistic now seem complicated. Taking into account every perspective raises new questions to be asked and new things to be learned. While it can be a lot to take in, it makes the world feel refreshingly small.

I talk a lot about how the people I met and first hand experiences broadened my view of the world and introduced me to new perspectives. While in Japan, I had the pleasure of meeting students at the University of Tokyo who I ended up talking to quite a bit during my stay. While Japan is a society that consists of various unspoken rules that revolve around respect and family values, each person in Japan has as unique perspectives as any given individual in America. We sometimes would go to group dinners and just chat about our lives, while there were certainly differences between us, every college-aged student seemed to struggle with a lot of the same things that I did or that my peers did. It made it easy to make friends a world away because we could find common ground where previously I thought there might not be any. 

The theme of meeting individuals that challenged my previous knowledge continued as the trip went on. At one point, we went to Hiroshima. While in Hiroshima, we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park. There was a woman that spoke to us there that gave us paper cranes that she had made. Even though she was over 60 years old, she learned English so that she could tell her story to as many people as possible and teach more people about what had happened on August 6th, 1945, in Hiroshima. She gave the story of her mother and it was truly enlightening. She did not point fingers and blame the United States for the tragedy. She simply wanted no more wars. I think as Americans we are often taught that the bombing at Hiroshima saved millions more lives by ending the war. That is not the story that she told. While I am not attempting to affirm or deny any claims surrounding that notion, I have invited in a new perspective. People on the other side of the world saw a different story and that is important. 

One more perspective from my journey that I would like to talk about was the visit to Okawa Elementary School. The story of Okawa Elementary School is seldom told, but it carries so much meaning. During the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Okawa Elementary School was caught beneath the waves and so were the students that attended the school. Of the 78 students that were there that day, only 74 survived the tsunami. A loving father whose daughter was lost that day showed us around the remains of the school. It was indescribable and it was heartbreaking. That man showed so much grace though. He knew that indecision on the part of the faculty of the school had attributed to his daughter’s death that day. He did not point fingers though. He did not place blame. He said near the end of the tour that he knew that those teachers were like any other; they wanted the best for their students. A perspective like his is hard to grasp in the midst of tragedy. We are quick to point fingers and let anger overtake our thinking. While surely he felt anger, he also realized that the situation at hand was so much bigger than him. He kept saying to think of the future, that when people see Okawa Elementary School they should think of the future. We have to strive every day to look towards the future in the midst of tragedy so that anger doesn’t bog us down and cloud our thoughts. The grounds of Okawa Elementary School now stand as a memorial to those children lost and of the future to come. 

Okawa Elementary School

All of this, and many other experiences, led me back here: home. They have no shelf life. They last a lifetime. One day I hope to become a physician. At that point in my life, these experiences will be my best ally. They will give me the wisdom to take in all perspectives, even challenging my own. This I hope will lead to a better quality of care for my future patients and a deeper understanding of my field. When I meet new people along the way, whether that be a colleague, a patient, or a next door neighbor, I’ll remember how even though we have our differences, the world is refreshingly small. I do want to be clear though. I don’t have to wait until I have any particular degree in order to start using the knowledge that I gained during my time in Japan. They are life skills after all. I’m sure I have already utilized them many times over since coming back without even realizing it. I know that I can expect to continue to utilize them again and again well into my career and whatever may lie past that. 

For my STEP Signature Project, I attended a Study Abroad program in Berlin, Germany.  My classmates and I lived in Berlin for four weeks and were fully immersed in the culture through a variety of tours, activities and individual exploration.

While I had already traveled to Europe previously with family, this was my first time living in a European city for more than two weeks.  Additionally, it was the first European trip I’ve taken with people my own age.  Throughout the trip I gained an appreciation for spontaneity in my life.  While I’ve always been a fairly spontaneous person, I found during my program that my favorite days were always the ones that did not follow a strict plan or timetable.

Berlin’s diversity and size made it possible to discover new things no matter where I was, and many of them I just so happened to stumble upon.  My carefree spirit was certainly satisfied during my trip, as I made sure that each day was an adventure.  I truly lived every day in Berlin to the fullest, and was happy to find that many of my classmates were interested in doing the same.  Although I have only been back in the States for a short time, I can tell that my new and improved spontaneity is here to stay.

Berlin is a very large city.  With its size comes opportunity for any adventure I could imagine.  Berlin’s rich history inspired me to explore every inch of the city I could find – from lakes and beaches to famous monuments and landmarks.  The overall feel of the city was incredibly accepting and open, which enabled me to be myself and feel free to spend my time as I wished without being labeled as an “annoying tourist.”  I didn’t worry about what others thought of me as I experienced the city in my own way – at my own pace.  The freedom from judgement helped me feel more at ease with myself and my environment.

The support of my classmates and instructors made me feel secure enough to explore Berlin and all it had to offer.  Their support helped me gain an increased sense of independence because I knew I was never truly alone.  Both instructors were patient and helpful, and their classes taught me about the history and language of Berlin, which I found very useful.  My individual explorations built on their lessons as I experienced Berlin through a more hands-on approach.  The tours and museums we visited showed me what I was most interested in and helped me seek out other similar excursions on my own time.

The freedom of our schedule was a gift.  Meaningful classes prepared me for free time I could do with what I liked – from exploring Berlin’s most famous cathedral to relaxing in the Tiergarten.  I decided to make the most of my free time, but I wanted the liberty to explore at my own pace with my classmates.  This freedom allowed me to live my life in the most spontaneous way I can remember, and the experience was so very freeing.  Without many worries or concerns, I truly made the most of every moment and did not regret getting lost or creating last-minute plans that always showed me something meaningful or exciting.

My independence has always been important to me, even when I was a little girl.  While it’s never been a struggle for me to remain independent and free-thinking, I became even more confident in myself as I handled new situations brought on by living in a different city with a different language.  In this way, I loved getting to know myself at a deeper level.  I was exactly my own self and own person, and the trip helped me think about my life as a whole in a clearer way, with more opportunities than I ever imagined previously.  This self-awareness will help me succeed in my career because I know that I am capable of succeeding in whatever I set my mind to accomplish.  My future success will be thanks to my self-confidence, because I know that I can achieve greatness as long as I believe in myself.  I know that I can forge my own path, which will help me accomplish great things.

     My Step Signature Project was a study abroad excursion in Chengdu, China. I don’t know what I expected from the Global May China program or what I hoped to experience during my time abroad. I was constantly advised to go into the experience with no assumptions of the things that I may encounter and did my best to do so; however, my imagination tends to run wild. I came up with so many scenarios, good and bad. You’d think that with an over-active imagination like mine I wouldn’t be so surprised at how amazing everything turned out. Over the course of a month I made new friends, memories, and dreams. Every experience, laugh, irritation, and adventure was made better because of the people around me. I can honestly say that it has been one of the best experiences of my life and I’ll always hold the memories dear to me. 

     During the program, I was able to experience a diverse and intricate mix of ethnic, rural and urban cultures in the historic and geographically varied region of southwest China. An extra bonus was the opportunity to be paired with a local Chinese student who attends the local college for ethnic minorities, Southwest Minzu University. Together we visited ancient temples and teahouses, spun in traditional Yi dances, and got lost in the beauty of China. My time abroad changed me in so many ways. I had to navigate various culturally-diverse environments in a non—Western setting. I quickly learned how to observe a room for social cues and conduct myself in a way that is open and respectful. I also had to actively think of new ways to communicate with the people around me, verbally and non-verbally. 

     Throughout the various language exchanges, I learned how to become a better listener and how it’s a vital attribute in building new relationships. I’ve come to realize when that when I stop and take the time to process what someone is saying; a new sense of trust and empathy is built upon that. I learned how my movement in the different spaces I preoccupied could affect or attract attention based around my identity as a black person and a U.S. foreigner in formal and informal settings. As I navigated roadblocks, I built a stronger sense of confidence and an increased self-awareness that motivated me to push my limits and achieve a goal. It may sound simple, but I cultivated the ability to grasp a new sense of impermanence and living in the moment. Our time was fleeting which led to me developing an appreciation for the small moments. It became a regular occurrence to try new things and let my curiosity expand my thinking from new perspectives. Finally, through the connections I made, I grasped the importance of community and maintaining patience before I make assumptions. The world is full of depth and there is always more to learn. 

     There were several catalysts that inspired me throughout my journey. The first is my partner, Yangyi. She was considerate and friendly as soon as we met, a warm presence that I almost didn’t know how to react to, but appreciated, nonetheless. Since our first meeting, we’ve joked, talked, and laughed endlessly, and it’s safe to say that she’s the fastest friend I’ve ever made. There’s a running joke in our group that Yangyi is my “amo” which means “mother” in Yi language because she always tells me to eat, drink water, and get enough rest.; therefore, I’ve taken to calling her “Yiyi Amo” or “Yiyi Mama” when she coddles me. I’ve always talked about how I want to advocate for the people in my community and be an active ally in the movement for diversity and inclusion. Knowing her has made me even more dedicated to becoming a welcoming presence for others like she was for me.  

     My favorite part of the trip had to be our adventures in Yunnan Province. At one point, we partnered with Shilin Minzu Middle School, a high school that is geared towards ethnic minorites, in a cultural exchange. I was humbled by the hospitality and genuine consideration that they constantly showed toward us as well as the enthusiasm they expressed in sharing their traditions with us.  We had the honor to participate in various activities and interacting with the staff and students was a lot of fun   Our time in Shilin cemented my dedication to taking a gap year before beginning my master’s program in Public Health to teach English abroad or join AmeriCorps. I believe that it could be a rewarding experience that encourages my self-growth personally and professionally. I could pursue an adventure while strengthening my ability to work in multi-cultural environments and recognize how such an environment can vary with context. It’d also be a great way to improve my skill at relaying information as efficiently as possible and remaining conscious of my speech. I also look for ways I could be more personable and engaging when meeting new people. 

     The transformations I went through have given me new perspectives on my academic, personal, and professional goals in other ways as well. I want to have a career in Public Health with a focus on cultivating inclusive, accessible environments that are healthy and safe through community-based outreach and treatment. My interests are black and indigenous health, mental and physical health, LGBTQ+ health, environmental justice, trauma, addiction, and mass incarceration. I plan to start in local community initiatives, progress to national work, and eventually operate in an international context. In Chengdu, I learned more about the ways cultural beliefs and traditional medicine has remained an important aspect in treatment. During my studies and my subsequent career, I want to find ways in which we can create equitable environments that stress the importance of including these beliefs and practices into health care and health education. 

     It’s hard to sum this experience up in such a short amount of time. When I try to explain it to my family and friends, I often become frustrated because I don’t know if words could ever do it true justice. I grew in so many ways and I’m grateful for the hard work of Professor Aku Wuwu, Dr. Bender, and people behind the scenes that make this program possible. Most of all, I’m thankful for the Chinese partners who are the foundation of the program and took our experience to a whole new level.  

For my STEP signature project, I attended the Malawi Research Methods in Politics study abroad program, In this program I studied issues in Malawi politics and how political scientists conduct their research on issues in politics in countries like Malawi. The program consisted of 14 students living in Zomba, Malawi for 4 weeks, where we attended class for 3 hours during the week and had excursions to locally relevant political figures and institutions in the afternoon, with weekend trips that took us to different parts of the country.

This experience transformed many of my ways of thinking, specifically about my place in the world as an American and as a future researcher. First off, even though I knew on paper that the country was one of the poorest on Earth, I don’t think I had any idea of what that would look or feel like to the people “on the ground” so to speak. The limited access to water, the sleeping under mosquito nets, and the inconsistent electricity were all really tough to get used to even after several weeks. I was then hit in the face with my American privilege when my teacher told me that how I was living was nicer than 95% had access to, and that I should think about that anytime me or a classmate complained about not having adequate water temperature or pressure in the shower. Visiting rural villages and working firsthand with a family in the village for a day in the first week of the trip set me up so that I could better understand all the things that most people lack, and how hard that life is and how I am not cut out for it, at all.

As a student who has the goal of becoming a researcher in the future, my interest in development has changed considerably in focus. I formerly wanted to focus on finding the best ways that America could use its collective wealth and power to fix and uplift the poorer, specifically African countries up from poverty and misery. The class has taught me how little development actually works as practiced by Westerners in the global south, and how specifically giving larger and larger sums of money does not fix any of the problems we have focused on. This was depressing to learn as an idealistic young cosmopolitan liberal, considering so much talent, passion, hard work, and money has gone into producing essentially null results in large part. My personal research program has changed from focusing on what development projects work to what actually brings development to these undeveloped countries, since we know Western money is not doing it. I am now more interested in studying political institutions and the role they have in determining the success or failure of nations, as that has shown to be a promising research area in political science and development economics.

There are several minute interactions that I had over the course of my month that have stuck with me and ensured that the lessons I learned on this trip will last. First, there was a small moment in a conversation with our language/culture instructor that made me consider my assumptions about things I didn’t even think I was assuming. Our teacher, Alick, asked us to mime how we wash ourselves, for some reason I have since forgotten. We all proceeded to scrub our bodies as if we were in a shower, the water raining over us from an invisible showerhead. He then asked us how we though Malawians did it, and I was lost as to how there was any other way to take a shower. Confused, I looked to him, and he proceeded toss an invisible bucket onto his body and explained that most Malawians take bucket baths everyday and will never use a shower. Even though I probably would’ve known that most Malawians do not have access to running water in the home, that fact did not come to my mind when I considered how they might bathe. The resource and infrastructure challenges that they deal with in Malawi affects all aspects of life, even simple stuff like bathing, and this was show to me through a simple assumption I made in casual conversation.

Another experience that had a great impact on me is when I spent a day with a rural family in a village, and one of the men asked me “Why is Malawi poor?”. When this occurred, I was spending the day with a family in a rural village, so that we could experience what life was like for the 86% of the population that lives in rural areas. That day, a fellow Buckeye and I got shown a day in the life of a wealthier than typical rural family as they gathered water, prepared food, and took care of the animals, all without a translator. Communication was difficult, but oe member of the family spoke decent English, so I spoke with him and asked him questions about his country and how he saw its problems from his viewpoint. Instead, he turned that question back on to me, and in the moment, I had not answer for him. My goal then, for the rest of the trip, was to be able to find the answer his question. I learned that it is not simply an issue of lacking funding, because the amount of aid given has not really borne out any positive changes to the quality of life. The answer that I am leaning towards now is that the there are a lack of political institutions in place to properly allow governments and people to flourish in concert due to corruption, mistrust, and group dynamics failures. This has proven to be a topic that interests me and that I hope to pursue after I graduate from Ohio State, either I graduate school or some other research career.

Lastly, I had a long career talk with the TA of the class and some other students over dinner that really helped me determine if what I plan to do in the future is the right choice or not. Graduate school for political science has been on my agenda for several years now, and yet I have not truly interrogated if I fit that path. Before he even spoke to me in particular, he gave a monologue on what you should expect in graduate school and what type of students shouldn’t go, and in that speech,  he described me to a T. I have focused on grad school for so long because I want to be a professor, but I never questioned if I want that career to stroke my own ego or for the status or if I actually want to be a full-time researcher to also teaches, which is what the job is for professors at large universities like ours. This talk probably convinced me to take a gap year and do some soul searching before I apply to grad schools and may have set me off from the academic life completely, though I will still apply this upcoming cycle to test the waters.

O-H-I-O after a hike at Cape Maclear

From a boat at Liwunde National Park

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

For my STEP Signature Project, I studied abroad at the University of Sydney in Sydney Australia, NSW. Using the grant offered by the STEP program, I spent one full semester exploring the university, the culture, and the country of Australia. I traveled both within the NSW region swell as across Australia and internationally into Southern Asia. I tried a variety of different foods, met many unique people, and trekked many miles across many different countries and cities.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

I had very little change in perspective or understanding about myself as both an academic and a traveler. I have previously traversed across many different countries around the world and have lived in China and other exotic countries. Therefore, culture shock or distance did not affect me. Furthermore, Australian culture is remarkably similar to the United States culture. All basic amenities are recognized in Australia as well as the English language and other basic comforts.

With this being said, however, my view on the world did not change whilst in Australia, it changed while I traveled through Southern Asia. I have perilously visited many countries in Asia however during my travels this past semester I lived paying the lowest amount of money possible. Therefore, my standard of living, accommodations, and transportation were all less than ideal and very well below the first world luxuries that I as an American am used to. Although I have experienced immense 3rd world poverty and have lived in some very aggressively depressed regions. During my journey through Asia, I was able to see just how far out of touch societies such as those in Cambodia or Laos are in comparison to the United States.

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? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

I experienced a wide variety of different events, experiences, and relationships throughout my entire semester. Within Sydney, as a student of the university, I was able to weave myself into the local Australian community. By joining clubs such as the Rugby Club, or the Hiking Club I met many unique local Aussie students who taught me a great deal both about their culture and their way of life. although the United States and Australia are incredibly similar in many ways. Australia is a unique country that has a climate and ecosystem unique to only itself. Therefore, having local guides show the different places to fish, hikes to take, regions to visit. I truly feel that I maximized my time and was able to lead the most fulfilling semester possible.

With this being said, however, although I did not particularly change as a person. I did gain a massive level of cultural appreciation and understanding throughout my semester abroad. Through my travels to the countries of Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore I was able to see all perspectives of the Southeast Asian lifestyle both in the first world lense of Singapore and the aggressively impoverished towns within the Cambodian countryside. Being able to travel to so many different places has given me a unique understanding of cultural differences and the universal struggles of society that reach all stretches of life. Just as we in the United States struggle and adapt to our climate and resources so to do the countries of Southeastern Asia which face scorching heat, torrential rain, and incredibly poor infrastructure.

All in all, I feel that I have become wiser throughout my study abroad trip. Through my different travels, the experiences I encountered, and the relationships that I formed. I have a larger pool of understanding, and empathy to make judgments and concessions for people within all walks of life. By leaving my own comfort zone of the normal, consistent, United States and journeying halfway across the world. I forced myself to appreciate and seek out what I found to be different or did not understand. Which, in turn, has granted me a broader scope of the world and ensue the people and communities within it.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

The growth I perspectives and understanding that I have garnered throughout my time abroad is invaluable. As a hopeful child advocate lawyer, I will be working hand in hand with people from all walks and diversities of life. Therefore, the best way for me to prepare for such a task is to increase my understanding of the world around me. I have grown up within a safe, comfortable bubble throughout my 21 years. Therefore, utilizing the opportunities granted to me through the STEP program to delve into something completely foreign was an opportunity that will forever shape the way I view other people. Although I do not personally believe that I have had an incredible epiphany and have traveled much before this semester abroad. There is never a negative to traveling it can only benefit and grow one as a person. And, I can confidently say, through my semester abroad my cultural palette has grown and such a base of information and experiences will benefit me socially, professionally, and personally for the rest of my life.

Although I have chosen to reflect specifically on my time in Germany, my STEP project was a transformative excursion throughout Europe. In London, Normandy, Paris, Krakow, and Berlin, I studied World War II where it happened. My STEP funds enabled me to see the world and learn about myself before graduation.

My month long journey throughout Europe was my first real trip abroad. It forced me to learn how to travel, both on my own and in a group. It was challenging to see five countries in fewer than four weeks, and the rigorous schedule certainly pushed me to my limits. Nonetheless, it was incredible to interact with foreign cultures and histories. The trip helped me discover how much I value encountering and engaging with different perspectives. It certainly made me want to travel more in the future.

I discovered my interest in traveling more often because of my desire to explore Europe in greater depth on my own. One of the sites that stoked my intellectual curiosity was the Churchill War Rooms in London. These immersive exhibits brought a British perspective of World War II to life. However, the Churchillian perspective might not be the same as an Irish one. In essence, I discovered my appreciation for travel because of my love for history.

I developed an appreciation for new foods and drinks while abroad, which also fostered a desire to travel more often. In Paris, I enjoyed Alsatian pizza and Bordeaux wines. In Krakow, I ate perogies that reminded me of my Polish great-grandparents. In Berlin, I drank hefewizen and sampled weisswurst. I would not have had the opportunity to try these authentic cuisines without STEP funds. Furthermore, I got to try these new things among a group of my peers, which was really special.

The trip leaders, Drs. Steigerwald and Breyfogle, also inspired me to become more cultured and better traveled. Although I could have graduated before May 2020 when I embarked on my STEP project, I am glad that I stayed to travel with Steigerwald and Breyfogle. They were excellent, insightful guides that I could not have spent so much time with otherwise. Their mentorship showed me the type of person I wanted to be after graduation, and they were very encouraging even when the trip itself was strenuous. It was a privilege to receive course credit from them while seeing the world in a completely different light.

It is unique to be able to look back on this trip with the perspective of a college graduate. I believe that my STEP project – while not always easy – prepared me for the rigors of life after graduation. Travel taught me self-reliance. Grappling with history made me thankful for the sacrifices of the past and optimistic about the prospects of the future. Just looking back on photos of the sites prompts me to think, “Wow! I was really there.” Without STEP funds, my experience might not have been possible, and it certainly would not have been cheap enough to dissuade me from graduating in Spring 2019.

I now work at the Ohio Statehouse, where history surrounds and captivates me everyday. My new role is exciting and meaningful, but I doubt that I would appreciate it as much without the perspective that my STEP project offered me. Had I graduated before the trip, I might not have my current position. I definitely would not have as much to think about and reflect on after six months. An understanding of history has always been indispensable for public service. My time abroad enhanced my knowledge of history while building up my desire to help others. I am grateful to Ohio State for creating and funding the STEP program, and I look forward to sharing my experience with others.

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Germany does not shirk from its collective responsibility for World War II and the Holocaust. The German Historical Museum, for example, does not sugarcoat popular support for the Nazi Party during the interwar period. Instead, historians ask how the Nazis obtained power and why they were able to keep it. By answering these difficult questions, the Federal Republic of Germany acknowledges and wrestles with its dark past, which proves that democracy is never guaranteed in our turbulent world but it can rise out of our darkest experiences.

The Topography of Terror Museum documents the rise and ruthlessness of the Nazi Party through propaganda, intimidation, and violence. The steel building stands where the Gestapo Headquarters and Reich Main Security Office once stood. It was here at Prinz-Albrecht-Strasse that Gleichschaltung (i.e. the totalitarian process of subjugating every element of society to Adolf Hitler) became a reality. To solidify their grip on power, Nazi brownshirts arrested political opponents in the Reichstag, paraded elected officials through the streets, terrorized German-Jews, and persecuted the professional classes. Under Heinrich Himmler and Reinhart Heydrich, the Reich Main Security Office fused police forces into the ranks of the SS. The Museum includes pictures of Nazi officials alongside walls of text that explain the roles of individuals in Nazi terrorism. The Nazis targeted the upper echelons of German civil society and removed safeguards that should prevent the acceptance of evil regimes and boundless war.

The Bendlerblock Memorial to German Resistance remembers the few with the courage to oppose the Nazi regime in its atmosphere of terror, especially those who sacrificed their lives in the July 20, 1944 attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler. One could easily miss the unassuming courtyard where firings squads executed Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg and his fellow conspirators. The Memorial consists of a stone slab, two copper plaques, and a statue of a naked and bound man. It does not make excuses for the plot’s failure or conjecture about what might have been. In Eichmann in Jerusalem, Hannah Arendt noted that key leaders of Operation Valkyrie planned to ask for a separate peace as well as other terms to which the Allies would never have agreed. Instead, the Memorial humbly and factually reminds visitors that some paid the ultimate price in defiance of Hitler’s Germany. The Bendlerblock also contains a series of exhibits on resistance from individuals in many segments of German society, including the army, churches, schools, and governments. While resistance to Nazi Germany was anything but widespread, the Bendlerblock Memorial shows that the Nazis failed to eradicate civil society.

After World War II, Germany was realistic about its culpability for the Nazi regime. Unlike postwar France, there were no myths of a vast and powerful resistance. It was undeniable that many contributed to the collapse of the young Weimar Republic into the Third Reich. The Reich Chancellery and Reichstag lay in ruins, and rubble filled the streets of Berlin until 1950. The Führer Bunker where Hitler took his own life is now a parking lot. From ground zero, Germans participated in de-Nazification and formed a new government. After its reunification in 1990, the Federal Republic of Germany was – arguably – the most modern democracy in the world. The Bundestag, formerly the Reichstag, reflects postwar Germany’s dark history and impressive progress through its design. I interpreted its open glass top as indicative of the transparency necessary for parliamentary representation. There is preserved graffiti from Soviet soldiers on the walls. Germany is a product of its experiences, and it does not intend for the suffering of its people (esp. victims and resistors) to be in vain. With democracy in crisis across the West, perhaps the future lies in remembering the darkness of Germany’s past alongside the mirrors and light of the Bundestag spire.

Giving a presentation at the Bendlerblock where the July 20 conspirators against Adolf Hitler were executed by the state.

1. My STEP experience was the Japanese Popular Culture education abroad through the College of Comparative Studies. After an intense two weeks of lecture in Columbus, we headed to Japan where we would learn first hand about Japanese culture.
2. I found that my perspective changed about what it means to be a Japanese person and how a person with Japanese Heritage lives in America. One of the things that I found important to take back with me is reverence and respect for the process of an experience. Many times I found myself being reminded of all the little pieces that were making up the whole of what I was living while I was there. The religious processes felt incredibly mindful which is something I want to continue now on my own with my own thoughts and actions. Seeing the history and the time and effort that has been put in to preserving it inspired me to think about America’s history and how often we try to change from the past. On a more personal note, I want to try and live more in my own personal history and try my best to preserve it for my kids and their kids etc. I also think I will look more closely at how another person views the world, both personally and professionally. In my career, it would benefit me greatly to be able to understand more about what it means to be a Japanese immigrant or of Japanese heritage and with this trip, I have. I’m so happy for the friendships I’ve made and the new perspectives I’ve gained.
3. Some of the people who helped me so much were my amazing program leaders. Melissa and Barry really did the most they possibly could to prepare us with the history and culture of Japan both ahead and during our time in country. Without their guidance I do not think any of us would have been able to see with eyes that were willing while we were there.
   1. They also planned a trip that was filled with experiences to help facilitate this as well. The many trips to shrines and temples helped connect me religiously to the culture. I felt particularly fond of some of the Shinto shrines we visited and the process of praying at the offering alter. Malle had an excellent presentation at one of the Buddhist temples were we were able to experience a prayer ceremony where one could have their troubles imbued into a piece of wood to be burned to release you from them.
   2. Our friends from Tsukuba were also so amazing in shaping our experience in Japan. Not only were they so welcoming, they helped educate us about various aspects of popular culture including folk beliefs, 2 dimensional experiences, and fashion. I deeply enjoyed the lectures and wish I could take an entire class about some of the topics discussed. They helped to academically engage me in a way that made me crave more and that is the hallmark of good teaching to me. Also, the students were so kind and helped us get around Tokyo while showing us easily one of my top three places I ate. They are such great friends and I was so glad to have the opportunity to meet them.
   3. Lastly one of the best experiences I had was the Ghibli Museum which was something that I was so excited to do. It was so fantastic to see a piece of Japanese popular culture up close and personal in a way that felt intimate and exceptionally unique. That is a moment I will likely never forget and I am so blessed to have been able to set foot inside.
4. Not only do I feel like a more conscious mindful person, I feel like I learned invaluable skills for my career as a psychiatrist. I have a renewed passion for my art and have been more adamant about creating regularly than I have been this past semester. I love that this trip has provided all this wonderful change in me. I welcome all of it. I’m so glad this trip has been able to help me personally and career wise. It’s something I hope I’ll be able to spread to my friends and family to improve their lives as well.

For my STEP project, I traveled to Sevilla, Spain, to study abroad. I took classes at EUSA, lived with a host mom and fellow American student, and studied Spanish along with a class in World Politics.

Being immersed in a foreign language, I think one of the largest things that changed for me was my appreciation of communication, not just verbally, but culturally and emotionally. Living with a host mom who didn’t speak any English provided the opportunity to learn how to communicate, not just in Spanish, but how to learn about Spanish culture, how to relate to my host mom despite leading very different lives, and how to co-exist with someone from a different part of the world. Taking this lesson to the global perspective, I now understand how to interact with cultural awareness, the importance of language in communicating precisely but also the beauty in language learning and communicating imperfectly, how to deconstruct my own views and preconceptions about others to return to the basics of interaction with others. I learned how to be just Alexis, not just Alexis the American and English speaker, which helps me be more cosmopolitan.

The first and most important relationship I developed was the relationship I made with my host mother in Spain. Coming into the experience, I was worried that we wouldn’t be able to form a close relationship because of the cultural divide and the language barrier. But my host mom was the perfect example of unconditional love: she was patient with my sometimes haltering Spanish, she was encouraging when I felt confused and isolated, she was nurturing when I was sick, she was interested and curious about my life and excited to share hers, and she truly saw me as more than her host daughter – she would often tell me “eres de mi familia” – you are my family. These things in human relationships – love and respect and true caring for another – transcend language or cultural barriers. I found myself speaking with her at the dinner table for hours, I learned how to cook Spanish dishes, and  how to sew traditional Spanish flameco dresses. I also taught her some things – she had never seen African American hair, and I had fun teaching her about my hair, and she loved watching me do it. She truly taught me that human connection can transcend language and culture, and that was a huge take-away from the experience.

I was fortunate enough to travel often during my study abroad, and I was able to see 16 countries. In those travels, I met people who further illustrated my above point: they all came from different places, spoke different languages, and yet we were able to see each other as friends, not as others. For example, in Belgium with my Belgian friends, we were dancing to American music that I had grown up with and that they had learned English from, and it was a great moment of realization – that culture and language are not determinants of friendship, but can actually enhance it. I learned so much from my foreign friends, all of them my age, and all of them living lives that were simultaneously the same as mine (college students, well-traveled, going into professional fields soon) but also so different. Seeing both sides of our lives was enriching for me, and taught me to respect the variety of experiences and differences that unite us, while also making  us beautifully different.

The last person that truly impacted my time abroad was my boyfriend I met while traveling. He is a Finn-Swede, meaning he’s from an island that belongs to Finland, but is Swedish speaking. Through our relationship, I was able to stay with his family for a while and observe the same things I mentioned above: a type of life that, while being so different from my own, feels familiar and welcoming. There were times when they were speaking Swedish where I felt completely out of place, but I basked in that feeling – I enjoyed feeling unknowing for once, instead of the constant privilege that being an English speaker affords me. It was humbling. And then there were the moments where we could laugh at the same jokes, or understood the same references, where the gulf between us felt smaller. Through him, the world feels more open and more recognizable, because his experiences and upbringing are so different from mine and expand my worldview beyond my own country. I have started learning Swedish with him as well, and being able to share such a unique piece of his culture with him is so extraordinary. Being in an international relationship has taught me so much about myself as well – how I view myself in the world, and how I view others. It has been an unbelievably exciting journey of learning and discovery, both emotionally and geographically (traveling to see each other!), which makes meeting him one of the greatest parts of my STEP experience.

After studying abroad, my future feels way more open, filled with possibilities I never thought existed before. Previous to this experience, I saw my life only existing in the United States, but I have seen and loved how my life could be elsewhere. My passion for international politics, especially diplomacy, were heightened by this experience. International politics, when broken down to the most basic level of analysis, are just relations between people from different countries, with different languages and experiences, and the job of a diplomat is to be a bridge between that divide. I grew to love being that bridge: I loved learning about others and teaching about myself, I loved being humbled by my experience and also empowered by it, and I now know with a high degree of certainty that I want to work a field that has these components. I feel like a global citizen after studying abroad, and that personal change has implications for every part of my life. I am excited to see how these changes take me into the future and thankful for STEP, which allowed me to make these wonderful self-discoveries.

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed. 

I participated in the Global May Great Britain Education Abroad Program.  The program was primarily focused on British history and culture. We toured several museums and historically relevant sites.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place. 

While completing my STEP Signature Project I feel as though I learned a lot about myself and tranformed into a more confident person.  I learned to appreciate being alone and navigating things by myself while making life-long connections with others at the same time. I also learned how incorrect my thoughts were about certain things in Europe and that we (as a society) need to avoid generalizing things about other groups of people.

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? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

I feel as though I became more independent because I successfully navigated international travel by myself and was able to adapt to problems that arose along the way.  My flight from Charlotte, NC to London was delayed and in result of that, I missed the provided transportation with the group from the airport to our residence. I instead had to make travel arrangements for myself.  

During a free day on our trip I chose to fly to Dublin, Ireland and tour the city by myself.  I was completely alone in a foreign country, but it was such a worthwhile experience. I learned from this experience that although I do prefer traveling with other people, I am perfectly able to travel and do things on my own.

Lastly, I also met and made friends with not only fellow OSU students, but with locals and fellow travelers.  During a tour I met two British boys who were from London and an Australian boy who was also visiting the city.  It was really an incredible experience talking to people my own age that hailed from the city and country I was studying.  Also because of social media I will be able to stay in contact with them.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

This change is significant to my life because it has taught me to be more culturally aware and not believe everything I hear until I have experienced it myself.  If I hear something bad about a professor or a company for example, I know now that I shouldn’t immediately rule them out and should research myself. Just because one person had a bad experience or didn’t enjoy something doesn’t mean I won’t like it or have the same experience.