On February 5, I officially marked the end of my first month studying here in Madrid. The past month has been filled with adventure, lessons, character building, incredible people and experiences, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Every missed metro, bus, detour, and lesson I have had to learn has brought me to where I am and who I am becoming, and for that, I am so thankful.
The quote “be where your feet are” stems from the idea that you should be fully present in the moment, not too worried about the past or what the future might hold, but rather about the opportunities, moments, and blessings you have right where your feet are. Concluding my first month in Spain, I notice a shift in my lifestyle choices and outlook on life. In Spain, every moment is savored and cherished, such as the concept of “sobremesa,” the time after you finish a meal when you stay to talk, get to know each other, and exchange laughs and stories. I notice that I gravitate towards an intentional morning routine, enjoy coffee and walks, metro rides listening to music, reading books at cafes and overall habits that make me savor and fall in love with the now.
This week concluded my fifth week of classes, and I can say academically, I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to learn from my international professors and peers. In class projects, I am paired with students from all over the world. I truly feel like I am absorbing a great deal of life lessons that can be applied in and out of the classroom when I am surrounded by my fellow classmates. I have already learned a tremendous amount from my classes and am excited to bring this back to UT and my real-world experience.
If given the opportunity, I recommend that any student apply to study abroad. The tremendous growth I have experienced over the past month has happened at a faster rate than at any point in my life. Although it can be uncomfortable at times, I am a firm believer that your biggest growth comes from your biggest discomforts. I am so excited to see what opportunities and lessons Spain, abroad, and this journey have in store for me.
This blog was contributed by Emilia Villela, Global Ambassador for Spring 2026. Emilia is a College of Liberal Arts Junior participating in an exchange program at Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, Spain.
