My STEP Signature Project was a global education experience through the CYA (College Year in Athens) and DIS) programs. I took a course called Tasting Culture: Nordic & Mediterranean Food, Tradition, & Nutrition which gave me OSU credit for ANTH 326. The course was in Greece and Denmark, and I studied the influences of culture on food, tradition, and nutrition through field work, excursions and study tours.

My STEP Signature Project was such an incredible experience. It taught me so much about Nordic and Mediterranean cuisine and culture, but also taught me a lot about myself as a person. The course itself challenged me and transformed my understanding and way of thinking about society and culture in an academic environment. Outside of academics, this experience resulted in much personal growth and realization. Going into this project I had always thought of myself as someone who struggles with change, however, throughout this experience, I realized this is not the case. I discovered that I have strong adaptability and that I enjoy trying new things even if I am initially hesitant. Although my uncertainty leading up to the start of my project was immense, my excitement drove me forward. I was ultimately able to embrace the risk and change that came with being in a new country with new people. This experience was very rewarding and has reminded me that I am strong and very capable of taking risks and embracing change.

As a STEM major, I don’t often take classes that aren’t sciences, so this class was unlike any others I have taken throughout my undergraduate career. Throughout my class lectures and activities, I learned to think about society and culture in a different way than I am used to. We discussed theories often and used them to break down and analyze common societal processes, especially ones surrounding food. Culture was another important topic that we often discussed. We learned how to analyze and write about culture in the field of social science. We were encouraged to go beyond basic descriptions of social and cultural processes and dig deeper to understand them in a different perspective. At first, I struggled to take this new academic approach, but ultimately it helped me to expand the way I learn and think about things.

Field work was a large component of this course and as a result we learned a lot from it. We would go to places called “food scapes” such as food markets, restaurants, grocery stores, festivals, etc. to observe and engage to draw conclusions involving the society and culture of the areas. Our professors taught us how to observe and identify our own biases through reflection. We practiced our writing skills through analysis papers and reflected on the societal and cultural concepts at play in these food scapes. These assignments required a much different skillset that I am used to utilizing and I grew so much in my writing skills. Overall, the uniqueness of the course including class lectures, field work, and field studies allowed me to expand my perspective on academic approaches.

Traveling independently as a young woman was something I had never done before, let alone spending 4 weeks in a foreign country with people I have never met. Though exciting, the trip was daunting. I often worried leading up to the trip if I would feel safe, if I would get along with my roommates, and if I would be ok without my familiar people. All these things were valid risks, but I chose to take them regardless. This took mental and emotional strength that I am proud to say that I have. This experience has given me a new kind of confidence when it comes to taking on challenges. Better yet, since I dared to take these risks, I was able to meet some of the greatest people and experience the most incredible things. I have made lifelong friends and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Experiencing unfamiliarity offers new perspectives and it is something I engaged in frequently throughout my project. In the classroom, I was taught different academic perspectives, which will allow me to expand my thinking and analysis throughout the rest of my undergraduate and graduate education. During field work and study tours, I got to engage with locals and participate in different cultural activities different from my own. I learned so much about the Danish and Greek culture that really expanded my mind to how other people and societies live. Everything I learned from these experiences, I will carry with me during my future academic and professional endeavors. The confidence I have gained in myself through taking risks and being independent is something that I will utilize in all areas of my life. Especially now as rising senior, the reminder that being vulnerable is necessary and taking risks is vital to grow as a person is what I needed. I have made connections with friends from all over the U.S. and will continue to foster them. Connection is truly one of the greatest parts of humanity whether it benefits you professionally, personally or emotionally. As I enter this pre-transitional period in my life, I will hold these lessons with me as I navigate the possibilities of my future post-graduation. STEP Reflection Photo – Denmark STEP Reflection Photo – Greece