Dear Hope Student,

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Study Abroad.

I always planned to study abroad. As time went on, though, I continued to fall more in love with Hope College, and the thought of leaving friends, family, and the beauty of Dimnent Chapel became hard. But I am so grateful for the community of people who processed with me and encouraged me to spend a semester in Spain.

So, if you’re on the fence (or already know you’re headed abroad), let me encourage you: it’s worth it. I can’t guarantee what your time will look like, but here are some things that were true for me…

I made great friends, and created fun memories with them all over the world.
I experienced travel hiccups, and learned I am capable of problem-solving. 
I tried new foods, and discovered the joy of exploring international grocery stores. 
I was gifted the chance to live with a host family, and experienced tremendous hospitality. 
I had fewer responsibilities, and it taught me to slow down and rest. 
I stayed in touch with people in the States, and eagerly listened to long voice memos. 
I adjusted to a completely new culture, and found beauty in a new rhythm of life. 
I got connected to a local church, and spent Sundays worshiping in Spanish.
I encountered so many ways to spend my time, and learned what I value.
I made mistakes, and oftentimes they became stories I learned from and laughed about later. 
I filled my camera roll with cool pictures, and they don't even scratch the surface.
I did not always find the time easy, but even in the midst of hard, good things happened.
I struggled to start the adventure, and yet, four months later, it was a really hard goodbye.

I can’t believe that four months ago, I was crying while I hugged my people in the States goodbye. And now I’m trying not to cry while writing this, as I get ready to hug the people I love here in Granada, Spain, goodbye.  

I write all this because choosing to leave Hope College wasn’t easy for me. And not everything about my time in Spain has been flawless. But it’s been so, so worth it. Don’t let your fear of a new thing hold you back from something truly amazing. I’m so glad I didn’t.

Here’s to studying abroad and the gift it is to have an experience I can’t put into words. 

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