The Power of Saying Yes 

“Yes.” 

One word. Three letters. It’s an easy word to say, but it’s much harder to mean. It’s even harder when you’re thousands of miles away from home in a city you’ve never been to. It’s a small word, yet it’s influential enough to reshape an entire experience.  

I’ve had the opportunity to study at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland for a little over two months now, and this one word has opened more doors for me than I could have ever predicted. I’ve always thought of myself as adventurous. I chase the thrill of new experiences and jump at any chance to broaden my perspective of the world around me. As a Radio-Television-Film major back home, I’m constantly in search of new stories, whether they’re from the people I meet or ones I have experienced firsthand. Often, the best stories come from a simple and singular “yes.” 

My first “yes” came to me on the second day of my program. It had been a long day of navigating Edinburgh on my own. I was proud of my small accomplishments: figuring out where the local convenience stores were, venturing out into a climate I wasn’t used to, and — the bravest of all, in my opinion — simply leaving the comfort of my dorm room.  

The next task was dinner. I hadn’t met anyone yet. There was no sense of security as I walked into the dining hall. No familiar faces and no familiar accents. And then, there it was — my first “yes.” I planned on sitting by myself at dinner. There weren’t that many people there after all, and I kept repeating to myself that there was nothing wrong with easing into things gradually. But before I could even sit down, another group of exchange students invited me to their table — a group of Australian girls who later became some of my closest friends. “Would you want to sit with us?” — they asked, with the kindest eyes and even kinder smiles. And before I could think — before anxiety had the chance to answer for me — the word came out. “Yes.” 

As part of the University of Edinburgh’s exchange program, the international students arrive a few days earlier than everyone else. We were all in the same boat, navigating a fresh start in an unfamiliar country with different people. Through that single answer, I found friends to explore with. Our dining hall table quickly grew into a large family of students from diverse backgrounds and cultures as we began to introduce each other to new faces. More importantly, we encouraged each other to keep saying yes.  

Yes, to ceilidhs (a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering featuring folk music, dancing, and storytelling), even if we stumbled over our own feet in laughter. 

Yes, to wandering through the castle and museums, soaking in the rich history of Edinburgh. 

Yes, to trains and planes bound for cities we had never visited before. 

Yes, to stepping into spaces where we didn’t yet feel fully comfortable.  

Because in truth, as we would often tell each other, we are right where we belong. There’s a power in saying “yes” that goes beyond obtaining new experiences. Each “yes” has not only given me stories to tell but also a more open mind and growing confidence in my ability to face varied challenges and adversities. What once seemed daunting is now thrilling. This confidence has made it easier to adapt to academic differences abroad. Courses at the University of Edinburgh can feel intimidating at first, but you quickly discover how passionate the professors and staff are about their subjects. Their enthusiasm is infectious, making education feel purposeful and engaging rather than overwhelming.   

Every yes, whether it be in the classroom or in life, pushes you past boundaries that you didn’t even know existed. Your time studying abroad is not solely defined by where you go, but by how willing you are to step outside your comfort zone and say, “Yes.”   

This blog was contributed by Kaylee David, Global Ambassador for Spring 2026. Kaylee is a Moody College of Communication Junior participating in an exchange program at University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland.