Some of the most meaningful learning happens when we step beyond what is familiar.
For me, that meant leaving Texas and the Forty Acres for a semester abroad in Europe. The University of Texas at Austin has shaped so much of who I am, and as a Forty Acres Scholar, the values of community, connection, and discovery have always been central to my experience there. Still, stepping away from what felt comfortable to immerse myself in new cultures across Europe was both exciting and uncertain.
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone, and studying abroad has shown me just how true that is.
Although Florence is my home base this semester, studying abroad has allowed me to explore cultures across Europe and experience perspectives far beyond what I could learn in a classroom. Each place carries its own traditions, languages, and rhythms of life. Being immersed in these environments has been one of the most meaningful parts of this experience.
Some of the most powerful moments of discovery, however, arrive unexpectedly.
High above the Swiss Alps, suspended in the open air while paragliding over valleys and snow-capped peaks, everything felt strangely quiet. The initial rush of excitement slowly gave way to stillness as we glided through the mountain air, the landscape stretching endlessly below. In that calm, I caught myself thinking more than once, I cannot believe this is my life.
Then, cutting through the same current of air beside us, an eagle appeared.
For a few brief moments, it soared alongside us, steady and effortless, as if we were simply two travelers sharing the sky. Eagles have always held special meaning in my family because of my grandfather, so seeing one in that moment felt deeply personal. As it glided beside us over the Alps, I felt a tear run down my face — a true tear of joy.
It felt as though the world had paused just long enough for me to recognize the weight of the moment.
Surrounded by mountains, floating high above the world, and sharing the sky with a symbol that reminded me of my family, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and clarity.
All of these experiences, these places, these memories unfolding across this semester abroad are not mere coincidences. I am exactly where I am meant to be.
Traveling between countries and communities reveals how deeply culture shapes people’s understanding of life itself. The rhythm of a day, the importance placed on gathering, and the value of conversation or shared time all reflect something deeper about what a society believes matters most. Witnessing these differences has reminded me that life is not defined by how fast we move through it, but by the people we share it with. Across cultures, one truth becomes clear: Community is what gives life its meaning. It is the conversations around a table, the friendships that shape our days, and the people who walk alongside us that make each place feel alive. Experiencing these perspectives has reminded me of the importance of slowing down, appreciating what we have, and recognizing how deeply the people in our lives shape the world around us.
As a communication and leadership major, I have come to believe that strong leadership requires more than confidence or knowledge. Leadership requires the ability to listen, respect, understand, and empathize with people from different cultures and backgrounds. True leadership begins with the humility to listen, the curiosity to understand perspectives different from our own, and the desire to grow from what we learn. Experiencing new cultures firsthand reminds us just how important those qualities are.
As a Forty Acres Scholar, one of the program’s core tenets that has guided my experience abroad is discovery. Discovery encourages us to remain curious, explore new perspectives, and step into unfamiliar spaces with an open mind. Studying abroad has been one of the most powerful ways I have experienced that value in action. This semester has reminded me that growth often happens when we move beyond what feels comfortable. Although the Forty Acres will always feel like home, studying abroad has pushed me to expand my perspective and engage with the world in a deeper way.
Discovery, I’ve learned, is not just about the places we visit. It is about the person we become along the way. And this semester has reminded me that when we have the courage to step beyond what is familiar, we often discover far more than the world around us — we discover a deeper understanding of ourselves.
For students considering studying abroad, my advice is simple: say yes to discovery. The world has so much to teach us if we are willing to step beyond our comfort zones and experience it.
If you are interested in continuing to follow along with my journey, I have also been documenting my travels and reflections on my personal blog, Where in the World is Liv, where I share destination recommendations, cultural experiences, and moments that have shaped my perspective while studying abroad across Europe.
Con gratitudine e Hook ’em,
This blog was contributed by Olivia Jacoby, Global Ambassador for Spring 2026. Olivia is a Moody College of Communication Junior participating in an exchange program at API Abroad in Florence, Italy.
