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 spent a semester abroad at Leiden University in the Netherlands. I spent four months living and learning in the city of Leiden, studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, as well as used my free time to explore the surrounding European countries.

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.

This past semester really pushed me in all ways. It was a huge change in terms of what I was used to. I went from living in a dorm with many others to a studio apartment on my own, surrounded by people who I did not know. I had to push myself academically, socially, and emotionally. I was very homesick the whole time I was away, while simultaneously having the best time of my life. I met only a handful of people from the United States, and it really pushed me to put myself out there socially, which was very hard for me. I had previously considered myself a very independent person, and I thought that I could do well on my own since I go to college out-of-state, far away from family, and had a fine time with the transition. However, I quickly realized how important my relationships with both my friends and family were. I legitimately think I called my mom or friends every single day that I was there. It really showed me the value of those relationships and how I can really rely on the people in my life to be there to support me, no matter how far apart we are.

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.

The system of education and culture of the Netherlands is very different than those of the United States. It was very much a culture shock, as Dutch people are very direct which is very opposite to the culture in the US, where people are more inclined to sugarcoat things. This is the same thing in the education system, so it took a while to adjust – I don’t know if I ever truly did adjust to the type of culture. It is interesting though, because a lot of the culture there is a lot more relaxed than the United States. Like people are very much more relaxed when it comes to work, and place a much greater emphasis on work-life balance. It was very common to see people walking about, enjoying lunch, and taking long breaks in order to promote a healthy workplace culture. 

One of the biggest changes I experienced was the difference in education systems. The education there is much more intense and difficult than that of the United States, in all ways. The Dutch undergrad program is only three years, and they do not have anything like the General Education curriculum. All they study is exactly what their degree is, nothing more, nothing less. Similarly, the masters programs are only a year or two long, so the classes and degree is much more focused in, rather than having any extraneous information. The grading scheme is also much tougher than that of the one in the United States. They use a 1-10 system, where a 10 there is pretty much impossible to achieve, and it is very common for people to get a 6 or a 7, which is considered passing. This is also made much more difficult because it was more similar to a graduate level class, where there are no assignments, but only a final, or just a final and a paper are the only assignments that make up your grade. It was a real challenge for me, because I was not used to this style of grading. 

The cultural adjustment was also huge – I felt very isolated a lot of the time. The apartment I stayed in, though it was student housing, was not a very social environment. I was living in a studio apartment, so I ate by myself, didn’t spend a lot of quality time with friends, and felt very isolated for a majority of the time. They had an orientation program, and the people I met in my group were nice, but I never really felt close to them. In fact, oftentimes, I felt excluded from the group, as I lived far away from them, so they would rarely invite me when they hung out or went out for dinner or drinks. I had to rely heavily on my home friends for my social life, through my phone – which sometimes meant that I didn’t leave my room for days at a time. It led to me feeling extremely depressed, and I had to find ways to motivate myself to push through and make it through my trip. 

The thing that helped me the most was all the travel I did. I grew up travelling, and loved it even before completing my STEP Project. During the four months I was abroad, i was able to go to 10 different countries, and it was absolutely amazing. Even though most of my traveling was solo, i think those were the trips that were the most influential. My parents came to visit and we went to Copenhagen, which was incredible and one of my favorite trips that I went on. It was about a month in and I was so incredibly homesick, I almost begged them to take me home with them, that was how bad it was. But seeing them gave me the reassurance to keep going with my program, and their support meant the world to me. Exploring different countries exposed me to new ideas, met so many cool people from all over the world, and saw some amazing things including the Matterhorn in Switzerland, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the St Charles Bridge in Prague, and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

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.

Using my STEP funds to do a semester abroad was the best decision I could have ever made for myself. It truly was a transformational experience, because I feel like even though I didnt have the most amazing perfect experience that you always hear about when people talk about study abroad, I had the experience. I managed to push through, because one thing I am not is a quitter. It taught me the value of friendship, family, and having faith in myself. It was scary enough coming to Ohio State from out of state, but I threw myself into the deep end, and everything turned out just fine, so I thought I was going to have a similar situation when I went to Leiden. I learned that not everything is that easy – I had to really work hard to acclimate myself to the culture and way of life. Though I struggled throughout my experience, my semester abroad taught me resilience, continued independence, and how to be okay with being alone. It also, though cheesy, really did bring me closer together with my friends. It was so rewarding to hear how much they missed me, cared about me, and that they still were thinking about me even while I was out of the country.  I think that this previous semester really showed me the kind of person I have become, and I am proud of that person. I want to continue to push myself, and challenge myself, in ways that may make me uncomfortable – and have myself be okay with that uncomfortability, both personally and professionally. 

My STEP Signature Project involved traveling to Panama to explore sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation efforts. During my time there, I focused on learning about agroecology, sustainable crop production, and the challenges of integrating traditional farming methods with modern environmental goals. I also gained insights into soil health, water conservation, and sustainable farming techniques, all of which contribute to creating a more balanced relationship between agriculture, wildlife, and the environment.

This experience in Panama significantly changed my perspective on sustainability and my personal development. Before the trip, I thought sustainability was mainly about technology or large-scale agricultural innovations. However, I learned that true sustainability is deeply rooted in local knowledge, ecological balance, and the interconnectedness between agriculture and wildlife. I also came to realize that sustainability is not only about improving crop yields but also about fostering ecosystems where both agriculture and wildlife can thrive together. On a personal level, I became more adaptable and resourceful, learning to navigate challenges in a rural, resource-limited setting while being more aware of the importance of wildlife conservation in sustainable agriculture.

One of the most impactful experiences was learning from local farmers about agroecological techniques and how they use biodiversity to protect crops and promote sustainable land management. I observed how farmers integrate practices like crop rotation, the use of organic fertilizers, and the planting of hedgerows to create wildlife corridors that help support biodiversity. This highlighted to me the importance of considering both plant and animal life in agricultural sustainability and made me realize how interdependent ecosystems are in farming practices.

Additionally, my time spent learning about water management and irrigation systems in rural Panama further illustrated how agricultural practices can impact local wildlife. I saw firsthand how overuse of water for farming can affect nearby ecosystems, such as wetlands that support a range of animal species. These insights deepened my understanding of how vital it is to balance the needs of agriculture with those of wildlife conservation to ensure the long-term health of both ecosystems.

Lastly, the relationships I built with local farmers and conservationists who worked to protect native wildlife, like birds and amphibians, further reshaped my understanding of the intersection between agriculture and wildlife. I saw how working to conserve local wildlife populations can be an essential part of sustainable farming, and how farmers are becoming advocates for preserving wildlife habitats on their lands, which benefits both the environment and their livelihoods.

This transformation is significant because it reshaped how I approach sustainability and wildlife conservation, which is now a central focus of my personal and professional aspirations. Personally, I gained a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of agriculture, wildlife, and the environment, and it solidified my commitment to pursuing work that focuses on preserving animal habitats alongside fostering sustainable farming practices.

Academically, this experience has deepened my interest in conservation biology and sustainable agriculture, particularly as it relates to wildlife protection and habitat restoration. Professionally, the skills and insights I gained in Panama are directly aligned with my future goals of working in wildlife conservation, where I hope to contribute to projects that focus on balancing animal habitats with sustainable agricultural practices. My ultimate aim is to help create systems where agriculture can support biodiversity and animal life, rather than harm it, ensuring that wildlife thrives alongside sustainable farming.

[Photo link: STEP Korea Doc.docx]

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.
During the Autumn 2024 semester, I participated in the Education Abroad Network (TEAN) Korea University (KU) education abroad program, located in the capital city of Seoul. I took 5 classes in Korean Language, Psychology, and Korean Culture/History while living in one of Korea University’s international student dorms alongside people from all over the world. I also went on several excursions hosted by the TEAN program, and other trips with friends to explore outside of Korea.

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?  
During my semester abroad, I gained a deeper understanding of Korean culture and achieved solid fluency in the Korean language. I realized the importance of understanding the historical context that influences Korean beliefs and norms, and learned the value of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds in gaining insight into the ways their lives and perspectives differ from mine. On a personal level, I gained confidence in initiating conversations and navigating social situations, helping me grow past my initial shyness and anxiety. I learned to embrace discomfort and calmly handle unexpected situations, which helped me become more spontaneous and flexible with my daily life.

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?
I took three Korean language classes at KU centered around speaking, reading, and writing. Through these classes, I improved my language skills greatly, and also gained insights into daily Korean life and culture. I moved past my initial anxiety about speaking Korean, overcame the language barrier in everyday situations, and had lots of meaningful conversations with strangers during my travels outside of Seoul. Now, I can comfortably read articles and short books, understand shows and the news, write essays in Korean, and comprehend most everyday conversations.
During my semester I did lots of exploring around Seoul, immersing myself in the culture and daily life of the people there. I mastered the subway system like a true Seoulite, and became a regular at many local restaurants that I would eat at with friends. I explored all of the big neighborhoods/districts around Seoul: Gangnam, Hongdae, Myeongdong, Itaewon, Dongdaemun, Seongsu, Yeouido, and more. I also visited lots of historical sites like the Gyeongbokgung Palace and hanok villages that featured traditional Korean houses, architecture, and performances. Immersing myself in a completely different daily life allowed me to gradually transition from being a tourist to feeling like a local, giving me a sense of belonging that slowly transformed Seoul into a home away from home.
Outside of Seoul, there were many trips I took with friends or the TEAN program throughout my semester. Our whole program spent two days in Busan in September, where I got to see the ocean for the first time. I went with friends to Jeju in October, an island off the coast of the Korean peninsula, where we got to experience nature on a different level. In November, we took a day trip to Gangneung, another beach city on the east coast and a three-hour express bus ride from Seoul. The TEAN program also had an optional 4-day trip to Japan, where I got to explore around Tokyo and its popular neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa. New and fresh experiences like these made me realize that I value exploration and spontaneity in my life, and the value of travel in expanding my worldview.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? 
Building the confidence to engage with new people and environments during my study abroad has helped me develop a stronger sense of independence and trust in my abilities, as well as a greater open mindedness to new cultures and perspectives. In an academic and professional setting, my improved communication skills and cultural competence will be valuable for my future medical career, where I will work with diverse patients and must be able to navigate cultural differences and language barriers to provide quality healthcare. On a personal level, my semester abroad has inspired me to seek more opportunities for cultural exchange and travel, whether it be through further study abroad, work, or volunteering opportunities in other countries. It has deepened my interest in gaining language fluency while immersing myself in new cultures, and I hope to embrace spontaneity and exploration not only while traveling abroad but also in my day-to-day life.

Over this past winter break, I embarked on the Mosaic Brazil: A Panorama of Social Justice Education Abroad trip to the Rio de Janeiro and Paraty in the country of Brazil. On this journey, my peers and I were tasked with working on four initiatives for Brazilian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), structuring projects that solved current issues that are prevalent within Brazilian society. Beyond the educational aspect of this project, I was able to explore the vast environment throughout the country. We toured through Favelas, walked the beautiful beaches, learned Samba, Capoeira, and the history of race relations in that sector of the world, viewed beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and were introduced to the delicious cuisine.

Prior to this global education project, my worldview was quite limited. Specifically, regarding the nation of Brazil, my concept of this country was simply restricted to what I had seen on the internet or heard from close family and friends. Every time I mentioned my plans of traveling to Brazil, I was immediately met with reservations that assumed Brazil to be a dangerous, run down country. However, these expectations were not because these individuals had any experience traveling to Brazil but were instead projecting their own fears and doubts about a country they had seen on the internet or in media. However, I am very proud of myself for not letting other people’s fears trickle into my life, as I went into this project with a mind yearning to absorb knowledge and a heart yearning to admire.

Consequentially, during and after the project I could confirm that my viewpoint of the world greatly expanded, as Brazil is a country I fell in love with and cannot wait to travel back to. The Mosaic Brazil project taught me many things about myself and the surrounding world. First, I learned about myself that complacency is a choice. While I went into this project already a very adventurous person, I often times meet a challenge or uncertainty with numerous reservations that have repeatedly made me regret being so apprehensive. In order to combat this dissonance, I promised myself to let other people (the program advisors) take the reins in terms of hesitation and uneasiness, and I just let myself enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

Second, Brazil taught me how similar every nation is to the next. We as humans, especially those from relatively privileged backgrounds, automatically jump to conclusions about other people or places, yet this hinders us so immensely, because we would rather stay comfortable instead of exploring what we do not know.

Throughout this project, on numerous occasions, I felt I was quite lucky to be learning in such a culturally diverse and expansive nation like Brazil. During one of the days of travel, we explored a favela, which is a very compact and concentrated community, where hundreds of thousands of people can live. These communities are throughout the country of Brazil, but where we were, in Rio de Janeiro, there were seven prominent favelas, which look to be stacked houses. On this exploration I felt extremely lucky, but I also experienced a sense of familiarity climbing through the community, as many individuals who live in favelas are Black. So, being able to see people who looked like me in such a cohesive community felt extremely heartwarming and refreshing.

Another captivating learning experience educated us on race relations in the country, and how race is perceived throughout Rio. One interesting fact about Brazil is that it is specified as a Black nation. However, in a lot of the more tourist heavy areas, we were not surrounded by the racial majority. This was very refreshing, but also sad, because while someone it is nice to see individuals who look like you are in the majority, it is upsetting to know that they are not represented politically, economically, and socially.

Academically, this project taught me a lot on how to approach challenges I do not know much about, or how to solve. During our project, we worked with and NGO who tasked us with solving an internal payroll issue with their organization. The NGO was suffering with a major imbalance within their company, as the administrative workers were being paid much more than their manufacturing peers This issue caused rifts within the company, so we were to present a solution to the company on how to combat this issue. This was extremely challenging to me, as I know nothing about consulting and felt extremely unprepared. However, working with my peers, I learned how to approach issues like this, where I feel completely helpless, with a more open, malleable mindset.

Overall, I feel as though the Mosaic Brazil project help to grow me into a more well-rounded, open-minded individual. Although I know I will always continue growing, this project was very eye-opening, because I learned about myself in a foreign environment, getting me out of my comfort zone. With my intentions focused on becoming a lawyer, I think this experience worked to broaden my worldview in a more social and professional way.

My favorite breed of cattle: brahmans!

Over winter break, I was able to participate in an educational trip abroad to Panama. The trip focused on the agricultural areas of Panama, highlighting sustainability efforts and introducing the Panamanian culture. While in Panama, we participated in many tours and activities. A few of these included touring a coffee farm, multiple crop and cattle farms of all sizes, visiting the canal, a horse barn, an indigenous tribe, and Panama City. We also had some free time during the trip, which I used to zipline across a volcano!

This trip had a huge impact on me, in multiple ways. I had never left the U.S. before this trip, so just the process of getting a passport, being on a plane for so long, and going through customs was all new to me. Beyond that, my views and opinions of the world outside of the U.S. changed greatly. The culture in Panama was completely different than what I’m used to- they really focus on “Panamanian time.” I was shocked by the lack of concern for being on time, and the slow-paced environment of most people we encountered. This allowed me to slow down, and truly take it all in. In doing so, I realized that maybe being “busy” all the time isn’t always healthy, and that slowing down is necessary sometimes. The language barrier also helped me to realize that I should put more effort into learning languages beside English, if I ever plan to travel abroad again.

In the agriculture industry, there were also major differences between Panama and the United States that I did not expect. Most crops are planted and harvested by hand, and they plant all the way up the side of mountains! This specifically was the biggest shock to me- our modern farming equipment wouldn’t be able to climb mountains like that, and I hadn’t expected Panama to be so far “behind” in farming practices. This made me appreciate the hard-working nature of Panamanians- hand planting and harvesting is no easy task! I also assumed that most places of the world (in high population areas, at least) would look like the United States. However, I was shocked to see the difference in buildings, infrastructure, and even the vehicles. Visiting Panama City and seeing the lower income areas was also extremely eye-opening for me as well. The last thing that changed me forever was the sheer number of stray dogs, and how “pets” are viewed in Panamanian culture. Almost every dog we came across was malnourished, sickly, and had never been pet by a human before- only ignored.

There were multiple experiences on this trip that changed my outlook on a lot of things. A few of the highlights include the trip to the indigenous tribe, the brahman cattle farm, and the service-learning activity at the senior citizen center. When visiting the indigenous tribe, I had no idea what to expect before going- but somehow, I was still shocked when we arrived. The tribe is living in the middle of a smaller town but must climb a mountain using a dirt trail to reach their village. The village consisted of a few buildings made of mud, trees, and leaves. They had chickens roaming, as well as a few dogs and a cat. All the women and children wore handmade dresses, and the boys wore regular clothing. The entire style of living they practice, was certainly a huge change for me, and honestly tugged at my heart strings. The living conditions for both the humans and animals in the tribe were almost unfathomable- but it’s all they know. This experience, by far, was the most transformative for me.

The brahman cattle farm just wasn’t what I expected. I didn’t realize that most Panamanians don’t eat beef but rely more on pork and chicken. Therefore, the livestock farms we visited were more for show purposes and were very small-scale compared to what I am used to in the United States. As an Animal Sciences major, the way that some of the Panamanian citizens talked about livestock was interesting to hear, and the way they perceived the United States and its animal welfare in agriculture was a shock to hear. They don’t feed any grain to their cattle, just provide pasture for them to graze, which was another massive change for me.

The service-learning activity we participated in was visiting a senior citizen center in a small agricultural town. I work in a nursing home, so this activity was one of my favorites on the trip, and I genuinely enjoyed it. The elderly seemed excited to meet us, and I ended up being paired with a gentleman who spoke a small amount of English. We talked about his history, and I told him all about my life. We were able to participate in their form of “physical therapy,” which was dancing! Once we started dancing, it was wonderful to see everyone laughing together and teaching each other the moves. We ate lunch with them, and then said goodbye. This experience was so heart-warming, and I learned a lot from my dancing partner, and even got to participate in a traditional Panamanian dance.

All the experiences and knowledge gained will stay with me for the rest of my life. Academically, this trip gained me invaluable experience for my agricultural-related areas of study. Professionally, this trip is on my resume, and I have already referenced it in interviews, and told as many people as I could about my experiences. However, I think the biggest change that this trip has invoked in my life is through my personal life. I’ve discussed the trip with so many of my friends and talked in detail of how it changed me for the better. Since the trip, I have made new goals for my life related to sustainability, and have gained a new-found appreciation for agriculture, more so than before.

This is me ziplining across a volcano!

During my STEP Signature Project, I had the opportunity to travel to Chile with an education abroad program. On this trip, I explored various human-animal interactions that are found throughout Chile and was able to see how they differ from the interactions in the United States.

This was my first international trip and as much as I was looking forward to the experience, I also wondered how similar or different the cultural, economic, ecological, and social aspects of Chile would be compared to the United States. Throughout my trip, I gained a deeper appreciation for the human-animal bonds that can occur through many aspects of life. However, while in Chile, I realized that I also gained a sincere admiration for nature, living things, and the world around me. So much of my life is spent on my academics or getting ahead in my classes in hopes of bettering my chances for my future career goals, to get into veterinary school and become a vet. However, taking this study-abroad trip allowed me to realize the importance of stopping to stand still in the moment and acknowledge the beauty of the world around you in that instance. It helped me realize the importance of the smallest interactions, such as giving a friendly little furry friend some attention. The respect the Chilean people give to their animal life was very noticeable during our many tours and visits and made me want to be perceived as a person similarly. These interactions helped me solidify in my mind that I was truly on the path I wanted to be on for my future career.

Following the last day of finals, I was on a plane to South America. Having a final the day before, overwhelmed with packing, and worrying about whether or not I had everything, needless to say, I was tired and stressed the day we flew out. When we landed in Chile many hours later, we had to get on a bus to head to our hotel. Finally, during that bus ride, while watching out the windows and looking at the amazing views, I felt a wave of relaxation, calmness, and even excitement rush over me. Originally, I just assumed this was because we had almost made it to our first destination, however, later on, our group discussed biophilia. Biophilia is the human nature of wanting to be near or interacting with nature, animals, and other living things. Knowing this made me realize that just being in this new, beautiful location was the reason I felt my stress of the past few months begin to melt away.

During our stay in Chile, we visited an animal rescue center, where they aimed to rehabilitate local Chilean wildlife. The center was located just outside of Santiago in the mountains and had beautiful views. During our educational tour, our guide mentioned that we were headed to see the pumas. However, just before we arrived at the enclosure, our guide had us participate in a quick meditation. She helped ground us into living in the moment and appreciate what was around us and this opportunity we were given. During the meditation, I was able to focus on the noises and feelings around me such as the water from the river rushing, the wind blowing the branches of the trees, and the birds chirping in the distance. This moment made me realize how much of nature and the world around us goes unnoticed. When we then visited the pumas, I believe that I was able to appreciate them on a more holistic level from their treatment and care to their habitat and the the nature all around them and me.

I was surprised that there were dogs everywhere we went while in Chile. We found them running around the various farms we visited, to resting in the town plazas, at every stop we made, I believe that I saw at least one dog. Unlike the United States, in Chile, it’s common to see dogs walking around and hanging out in the towns. Being able to interact with and pet these little furry friends always brought a sense of joy to my day, I even had a couple of favorites. Even when I was not directly interacting with animals, I still felt joy due to the happiness these furry friends brought many of my peers. Looking back upon these moments shows me that I am excited for the future ahead of me. Ever since I was young, I always wanted to be a vet, first and foremost to help and heal animals. As I grew older I realized that I also wanted to become a vet to help people, the pet owners. An everyday interaction with your pet may go unnoticed at the surface level, but deep down even the smallest interactions can bring joy to someone’s day. 

I will carry this experience and self-realizations learned from the ten days abroad with me into the rest of my career. Pursuing a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine takes a lot of academic work, with good time management skills, and is a very busy and at times almost overwhelming aspiration. Building a deeper appreciation for all types of human-animal interactions makes me even more determined and excited to meet each challenge in my pursuit. With vet school being very time-consuming, remembering the admiration and stress relief I found in Chile and learning to live in the moment and appreciate the world around me will help me to get through future taxing or stressful moments while on my future career path. This program also made me realize how much I love to travel and has allowed me to develop a personal goal to travel more in my life while I’m still able. It also showed me that visiting the small towns outside of the big tourist areas adds to the experience and slows us down a little so that we can really be in that moment. Although this study abroad trip to Chile only lasted about one and a half weeks, it is an experience I will never forget.

I studied abroad in Queen Mary University of London, which is located in East Central London. The program I participated in allowed me to understand both the academic and social life of students from the UK, as I was enrolled in classes alongside them. I was able to gain insight about the differences between the American and British lifestyles, as well as the similarities that we share.

Before embarking on my study abroad in London, I assumed that cultural differences would create barriers to connection, making it challenging for me to integrate into a new environment. However, living in such a diverse and global city such as London exposed me to a rich tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and ways of life that broke down those assumptions. I learned that embracing the differences that came up fosters deeper connections with those around me, it also allowed me to have unforgettable and irreplaceable life experiences that will forever stay with me. This realization made me more open-minded and adaptable to unfamiliar situations; even if it may be something as small as navigating public transportation in a new country.
Additionally, I gained a better understanding of my independence and resilience. Adjusting to a new city, managing a different academic system, and navigating daily challenges in a foreign environment taught me to trust my problem-solving abilities and embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. This experience reshaped my worldview, highlighting the interconnectedness of people and places; furthermore, it inspired me to seek out opportunities that push me beyond my comfort zone.

The most important part of my study abroad that led me to the transformation I discussed above, was becoming close friends with locals. Initially, I was nervous about stepping outside of my comfort zone to connect with locals, however, I pushed myself to attend events despite not knowing people there and exploring new places. I set out a goal for myself to find a community that I identify with in London, so that I can meet others from different walks in life, while simultaneously finding people who have similar mindsets and values. I was able to form the most meaningful relationships through integrating myself into the Muslim community there, as I am a Muslim myself.
Other than meeting locals, I also prioritized traveling around the United Kingdom as well as Europe so that I can truly immerse myself in the cultural differences. Traveling to various countries in Europe enriched my experience and contributed to my personal growth in various ways. Each destination presented unique challenges, from navigating unfamiliar transportation systems to communicating across language barriers; these
moments taught me resilience and adaptability to new experiences. The experiences I had while solo traveling around Europe pushed me to rely on my instincts, problem-solving skills, and ability to stay calm under pressure. I have discovered a new sense of independence and confidence within myself. It was empowering to realize that I could handle challenges on my own while still enjoying the richness of new experiences.

This transformation that I experienced is valuable to my life because it is imperative to have the skills I developed during my study abroad as both a student and a young adult navigating the world. Furthermore, I intend on attending law school after I earn my undergraduate degree, which is a path that requires me to have resilience, confidence, and self-reliance. By applying what I learned –connecting with people from differing backgrounds, ability to problem solve, navigate the unknown– I can build a strong foundation to thrive in law school and beyond.

During this past winter break, I had the opportunity to travel to Chile through the CFAES Human and Animal Interaction program. We were able to visit different kinds of animal facilities that included a multitude of species like a penguin boat tour, the Bruin zoo, and a wildlife rehabilitation center. We also learned how animal use fits into Chilean culture and how it is affected by their geography and economy. 

Going into this trip, I didn’t know how diverse Chile was ecologically, so I didn’t have a good idea on animal use. I somewhat assumed that Chile had a majority of livestock for production purposes. However, I learned that Chile is able to foster many types of animal species and vegetation because of its long area; providing many different climates. We began in Puerto Varas where the high was mid-high 60s and then flew to Santiago where the high was in the upper 90s. Our translator described Chile as 5 different states in one country. My assumption on the livestock industry changed when I visited the sheep farm. I didn’t have much prior knowledge on the agricultural or livestock industry until I started college. Seeing and hearing from a sheep raiser opened my eyes to the reality of the livestock industry including the hardships and successes. 

Additionally, my view of the world changed because I was able to get to know people from different backgrounds and how they ended up working with animals. I thought it was beautiful to hear everyone’s stories and I personally felt most connected with Roció who worked at the animal rehabilitation center. I believe she originally studied psychology and is still passionate about that while learning about animal care. She was very warm, welcoming, and exuberant about what she does. Through Roció’s positivity and insightfulness, I gained a new perspective in slowing down to appreciate where you are and reinforcing the idea that animals are at their own will to interact with us. 

Hearing and visiting with the sheep raiser opened my eyes to the different needs of animals and Chile as well as the factors that go into maintaining a healthy herd. What struck me was learning that she raises sheep in her free time. To have the patience to continue doing something so meticulous is admirable. She also had a couple employees and a herd dog which I found impressive given how much land the farm was on. In addition, she sells lamb to be slaughtered, butchered, and sent to local markets or restaurants. However, it doesn’t bring in a large income since she doesn’t have the resources to slaughter and butcher the animals at her facility. A main contrast I noticed was that in the U.S., sheep are bred to specifically produce soft, crimped wool to be used for clothing or other goods. Whereas, the owner kept the wool she had periodically shaven off the animals. I found this farm interesting because in my previous assumptions, I thought most farms ran strictly for production purposes. The thought that the U.S. is all about producing as much as possible to meet the growing demands of people enforced this idea for me. After meeting the sheep raiser, I realized animal husbandry can be a leisure activity especially in facilities not exporting as much animals or goods. This visit opened my eyes to the many reasons why people choose to raise livestock and the different uses for them in society depending on culture. 

One experience that I will never forget is an exercise led by Roció (one of the employees) at the animal rehabilitation center. We had flown into Santiago the night before and it was a bit of a bus ride to the center. So, Roció led a meditation exercise on a small trail that had us focus on our surroundings and really get into the moment. It helped recenter myself and remind me of the reason we came to Chile. She said it would be our privilege to get to see a puma and it’s okay if we didn’t see one because it was ultimately their decision. She reminded us that it is okay if they’re too tired or feel anti-social. I think this was so introspective and this mindset should be more common in the U.S. If we are keeping animals in captivity, we shouldn’t expect animals to constantly interact with us, instead be grateful we even had the opportunity. This idea made me think about animal therapy. Usually domesticated animals like dogs, cats, or horses are used since that’s what most people are comfortable being around. However, I wonder if we let the animals decide to come up to us, if it would show any different results. Although, it would depend on the age, experience, and diagnosis of the patient. Maybe letting the animals choose to interact could potentially allow for more natural behavior and a positive welfare. Roció’s exercise reminded me to appreciate life in each moment and keep the animal’s mind or welfare as a top priority in any animal facility.

This study abroad experience in Chile gave me the opportunity to learn more about the animal science field and myself. Visiting the livestock farms gave me insight into the agricultural field as a whole and a comparative view of small versus large production farms. Visiting different animal facilities including the rehabilitation center helped me learn about the diversity of species that are native to Chile because of the varying climate types across the country. The sheep farm helped me realize that not all farms exist to produce a large quantity of meat or wool. Instead, some can be started out of leisure or to simply produce goods for your family. The rehabilitation center taught me about the diversity of species native to Chile. The staff there was so passionate and Roció’s meditation exercise allowed me to take in this study abroad experience while taking a whole new perspective of animals primarily in captivity. This experience will help me with my career goal of becoming a veterinarian because it introduced me to different ways of interacting with new animals. For example, through educational visits, tourism, and interacting with stray animals; I was able to observe animals in their natural habitat or enclosure while learning about how they’re taken care of. In addition I had the chance to improve my communication skills with experienced industry workers, my professors, and peers; as well as collaborate about what we saw, heard, or felt about each facility in relation to our interactions with the animals. Overall, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to meet new people, appreciate the animal science field more, and learn about how Chilean culture involves all kinds of animal species. 

The human and animal interactions study abroad to Chile entailed a variety of educational experiences including interactions with a vast amount of native species. The activities I engaged in included; visiting sheep, cattle, and a llama and alpaca farm, visiting the Buin Zoo, touring a wildlife rehabilitation center, taking a boat tour to see penguins, hiking a volcano, and touring many Chilean cities. 

My perspective of global human and animal interactions expanded, and I learned that these interactions could occur similarly, the way they occur differs due to a variety of factors. These factors include the different animal species, the environmental changes, and the cultural differences that exist between the United States and Chile. I assumed regarding the human and animal interactions that it would not differ from how these interactions occur in the United States; however, I learned how and why these interactions vary. Due to visiting all the animals we interacted with and what I learned additionally about the Chilean culture through the activities we endeavored my assumption changed. My view of the world changed through better understanding the environment of Chile and how that affects what can be produced and the native animals that are used for animal use. Understanding the environmental factors allows for understanding the decisions made when using animals for production, captivity, and for other uses. My perspective expanded when learning about how diverse the Chilean environment is and how little resources that are imported and exported so it is important for Chileans to be able to use their land strategically and provide for themselves as a country.  

My global perspective of human and animal interactions was the most transformative takeaway from this experience due to the variety of excursions, interactions, and relationships gained. Some of the most rewarding excursions included touring the different cities within Chile, some of which included Pucón, Santiago, and Valparaíso. These tours allowed me to better understand the cultural differences and history within the city, and I was able to immerse myself within the city’s customs. Chilean cultural involvement included speaking Spanish, eating Chilean food, shopping in Chilean stores, and learning about the cities. Another activity I experienced was hiking one of the many Chilean volcanos where I was able to learn the history of the volcano and the flora and fauna that can be found there. This experience included learning more about the diverse Chilean environment, building relationships with fellow students abroad, and interacting with the native wild dogs. 

Some of the interactions I gained included interacting with the animals at the llama and alpaca farm where I gained a new human and animal physical interaction. This allowed for a new understanding of those native species, and I learned how they can be used in animal assisted therapy. This widened my perspective to how animals can be used to assist humans outside of the companion animals that are used for this in the United States. Another interaction included seeing the penguins in Chiloe which allowed for a new interactive experience, and I understand how the Chilean culture includes respecting animals, this showed that through the process of their tours. The observations I made during the tour emphasized the importance of respecting animal welfare through the decisions they make for their tours. These decisions include only taking two tours a day per boat to reduce any stress towards the penguins and only allowing observational interactions with the penguins. Visiting the different farms provided both a reassurance that respecting animals is a widespread importance in Chile among different regions and a comparison on how animals are used in production in Chile and the United States. The difference between the two countries includes a more respected approach rather than an importance in financial gain as is present in the United States.  

Additionally, I also gained relationships throughout this trip with a variety of individuals including the guides and leaders of the locations I visited. Interacting with the guides of each place we visited allowed me to learn more about the sites and gain more insight on the country of Chile. This allowed me to meet and speak with people from different regions of Chile, and it provided me an understanding of how diverse Chile is through an environmental scale and how the culture differs between regions. This trip also allowed me to gain meaningful relationships with the professors that were involved in this abroad opportunity which is beneficial to my education. I also created relationships with other people on my trip which allowed for networking skills to be performed and for conversations to be had about the experiences we all shared. 

This experience abroad has allowed me to gain a new global perspective surrounding the use of animals and why it can differ depending on a variety of factors. This new change of perspectives is significant to my life because it allows me to enter experiences with new knowledge gained about how interaction between humans and animals occurs abroad and how cultures can change that. Another takeaway from this trip is the relationships I gained with the people and professors which allowed me to gain networking skills and discuss with fellow people in my major. This trip not only was beneficial to my academic and professional goals but also added to my personal goal of travelling outside the country. In culmination, this human and animal interaction abroad opportunity was extremely rewarding due to the academic, professional, and personal development I was able to gain.

For my STEP project I had the opportunity to dive into a transformative experience that blended both academic exploration and personal growth. I participated in a 10-day study abroad geared towards agriculture and the study of Panamanian culture. During my time in Panama, much of my surface knowledge and assumptions were put to the test. I underestimated the amount of American influence there was still in Panama. It was interesting to see a mix of both Spanish and English used, often interchangeably. Another thing that surprised me was the extent of how minimalistic the native people lived. I had imagined a slightly more advanced lifestyle, but after walking on the unpaved roads and seeing them navigate their environment with only the pure parts of nature, it made me find respect for the simplest parts of life. Another thing that my trip to Panama taught me to embrace was spontaneity. As a person who loves scheduled and exact plans, being thrown into situations where I was unaware of what was happening challenged me to sift through my emotions and find ways to be calm. I truly learned to live on Panamanian time. 

During my time in Panama, many events, cultural interactions, and unexpected challenges reshaped my perspectives, allowing me the space to confront assumptions, embrace spontaneity, and find value in simplicity. Interacting with locals Allowed me to practice my Spanish in different ways. While there I had an opportunity to sing and dance to my favorite Latin song on stage. Another way I incorporated practicing Spanish was by ordering all my meals in Spanish. Both these experiences gave me the confidence to be on my own in a Spanish-speaking country. On my free day, I was able to venture out and use these same skills to interact with the locals.  

The visit to the Indigenous village taught me a lot about Native culture. I learned how natives live on a day-to-day basis. I observed that they are both resourceful and resilient. This was shown in their strong belief to not modernize and live one with nature. To this day they still live in huts, don’t have electricity, and eat mostly off the fruit of the land. Their hospitality and openness inspired me to embrace new perspectives and reinforced my desire to approach life with humility and gratitude. 

The unexpected challenges I faced throughout the trip also played a pivotal role in my growth. While in Panama our bus broke down which led to an impromptu hike, this taught me flexibility and the importance of remaining present. The hike, which I initially hesitated to join, turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip, as it allowed me to explore nature in a unique and meaningful way. These moments of spontaneity emphasized the importance of embracing opportunities, even when they are different from expected  

Looking back, this trip allowed me to expand my knowledge about Panamanian culture, enrich my understanding of varying agricultural practices, and step outside of my comfort zone. For me, this trip challenged my personal growth just as much as my academic. A huge personal growing point for me on the trip was my ability to participate in events I was not comfortable with. While in Panama I petted a cow, walked with butterflies, and got on a horse. Academically, I grew tremendously in my ability to understand and speak Spanish. Overall, my favorite thing about Panama was the Panama Canal. As a Supply Chain Major, seeing the logistics behind all the products that go through the Panama Canal was fascinating. I was imagining the vast cost savings and the amount of product being moved. Being able to see this in action was beyond thrilling. Studying abroad has been an unforgettable experience that has opened my eyes to the world. I hope to use this experience as a catalyst to travel the world, learn new things, and always continue to dive into the unknown.