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 project, I participated in the DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia Program, where I spent a total of 6 weeks in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden. While I was on my trip, I took two 3-credit hour classes that would benefit my major and field of study.
- 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.
Completing my STEP Signature Project in Europe was a transformative experience that significantly altered my understanding of myself and my assumptions about the world. I immersed myself in diverse cultures and different ways of living, and I was struck by how much happier people seemed in Europe, where healthcare and education are free. Safety was another eye-opener—I felt more secure walking through European cities than I often do in the United States. This experience revealed my aptitude for adapting to and integrating into new cultures, something I initially feared but quickly embraced.
My travels through European cities showed me the efficiency of their transportation systems and the effectiveness of their social structures. Before this trip, I believed that the U.S. was superior in terms of social structure, education, and healthcare. However, seeing firsthand the well-being and happiness of Europeans made me realize that other countries have equally, if not more, effective systems. This experience has broadened my perspective and reshaped my view of the world, emphasizing the importance of openness and adaptability in understanding and appreciating different ways of life.
- 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 first major aspect of my STEP Signature Project that led to my transformation was my relationship with my professors. Their enthusiasm for teaching and genuine care for each student’s well-being profoundly impacted me. Unlike the often impersonal nature of large university classes in the U.S., these professors were flexible and accommodating, striving to enhance our learning experiences. They made me feel valued and cared for, which significantly enriched my overall study abroad experience. This contrast highlighted the potential drawbacks of large class sizes back home, where personalized attention is often sacrificed, hindering students’ ability to excel—a challenge I have frequently faced.
Another pivotal aspect was immersing myself in the European culture. The friendliness and openness of the people I met, both locals and fellow Americans, made a lasting impression on me. I built meaningful friendships and engaged in insightful discussions that broadened my perspective. The sense of safety in European cities was striking; walking alone at night felt secure, and the cleanliness of the urban areas was remarkable. The emphasis on environmental sustainability, such as incentivizing recycling by paying people to return cans and bottles, showcased a level of societal advancement that I found inspiring.
Additionally, the efficiency and reliability of European public transportation systems stood out to me. Navigating through various cities with ease underscored the effectiveness of their infrastructure, contrasting with my experiences in the U.S. This seamless mobility allowed me to explore and appreciate the diverse cultural landscapes more deeply.
These experiences collectively transformed my understanding of societal structures and well-being. Witnessing firsthand the happiness and quality of life in Europe challenged my previous assumptions about the U.S. being the pinnacle of social structure, education, and healthcare. The project broadened my worldview and instilled a desire to advocate for similar advancements back home, striving to create an environment where everyone can thrive as I saw in Europe.
- 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 relate
This transformation is significant for my life because it has reshaped my professional and personal goals, particularly as I plan to enter the medical field. My primary objective is to ensure that everyone has access to the healthcare services they need. Observing the healthcare systems in European countries highlighted the potential benefits that similar policies could offer in the U.S. These systems not only provide universal healthcare but also contribute to overall societal happiness and well-being. This understanding has reinforced my commitment to advocating for healthcare reform in the U.S., aiming to make it more inclusive and equitable.
Furthermore, the realization of how safety and low crime rates in Europe are linked to societal happiness and well-being has deepened my desire to see similar improvements in the United States. The lower poverty rates and the freedom from financial stress related to education and healthcare allow Europeans to lead more comfortable and fulfilling lives. I want to contribute to creating a society where people can enjoy the same level of happiness and freedom, where basic needs are met without the burden of excessive costs. This transformation in my perspective is valuable because it drives me to work towards a more just and supportive environment, both as a future healthcare professional and as an advocate for broader social improvements in the U.S.
