The most meaningful experiences are rarely the easiest ones.
It is so easy to romanticize studying abroad in Paris and only consider the world-famous landmarks, the new friendships and the life-changing experiences. What is often left out are the challenges: the exhaustion of walking miles and miles each day in the blistering heat wave, the unfamiliarity of being away from home, the physical and mental strain of adapting to this new environment. However, as we have learned through our required texts, The Sun Also Rises, A Moveable Feast, Giovanni’s room and The Paris Bookseller, growth is often accompanied by discomfort. During my time here so far, my struggles have mirrored the experiences the writers of these books portrayed. Through visiting places such as the Palace of Versailles and immersing myself in a different culture, I have come to the realization that the struggles of studying abroad are not obstacles to the experience but rather, an essential part of it, transforming moments of exhaustion and homesickness into opportunities for growth, connection and new understanding.
This realization became especially clear during our visit to the Palace of Versailles. Like most other days in France, today came with blistering heat, sore feet and physical exhaustion. After the past few days of 100-degree weather I was honestly dreading the heat today. But as I was walking through the Palace and arrived at the Hall of Mirrors, I saw the crowds of people taking in experiences that cannot be appreciated through our books. Ultimately, the discomfort of today became what made the experience memorable. When I went silent and took in the experience, I realized how much I have already changed as a person.
Beyond the physical challenges, studying abroad has also brought moments of homesickness and uncertainty. Being separated from the familiarity of my everyday life has forced me to step out of my comfort zone, that I wouldn’t have done otherwise. I learned how to maneuver the metro stations with my newfound friends, adjust to unexpected changes and embrace uncertainty rather than being conflicted by it. Even though these may seem like small accomplishments, I have gained a greater understanding of myself and confidence that I can now work through hard situations. Each challenge I have faced has required me to rely on myself while also learning to lean on the people around me.
The friendships I have gained through the experiences on this trip will forever shape my identity. Sharing long days of homesickness, sight-seeing and navigating new places while supporting one another through moments of exhaustion has created bonds that I truly think with take me further than just this trip. Similarly to the writers who gathered in Paris for connections and inspiration, I find myself in them searching for connections. I have discovered that the most meaningful parts of travel come from the people who we shared these experiences with rather than the place itself.
I will forever be grateful I was influenced to go on this trip. Paris forced me to leave my little bubble, while both mentally and physically challenging myself in ways I have never done before. While navigating the streets of Paris, I am left wondering what other opportunities of growth I may have missed staying within my comfort zone. If this experience has taught me anything it is that the most life changing experiences come when we are willing to embrace uncertainty and take a risk.