I have always been a perfectionist. Even in high school, I always held myself to the highest, and frankly, most unattainable, degree for success. Since coming to the University of Texas, I have tried my hardest to reevaluate my standards. Of course, I make sure to work as hard as… read more
Europe
Sucking Out All the Marrow of Life: Executive Dysfunction and Adapting to Life in Edinburgh, Scotland
“I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life, to live so sturdily and Spartan-like as to put to rout all that was not life, to cut a broad swath and shave close, to drive life into a corner, and reduce it to its lowest terms,… read more
Budapest, My Second Home
I can hardly believe it’s been more than a month since I returned home from Budapest. Living abroad for an entire semester, that city had become almost as familiar to me as Austin. I had become used to all the beautiful sights, stores, and public transport routes, but most importantly… read more
Ivana Kupala Tradition and the Magic of Studying Abroad in Ukraine
When we last met, I was in dire straits: doubting myself, wanting nothing more than to return home to the U.S., and confronting a few unsavory aspects of my mental health. I’m elated to report that for the past two or so weeks, Ukraine has treated me incredibly well! Before… read more
Saying Goodbye to Sweden
As I reflect on my time at Uppsala and the lessons I have learned along the way, I find myself both sad that it is almost over and excited to see what the future holds. My study abroad experience was unique because of the circumstances, and I did not get… read more
The Impact of My Experience Abroad in Paris, France
Since my last blog post, COVID-19 safety measures have fluctuated in France. All non-essential businesses are currently closed, and there is a 7 p.m. curfew in place. Up until a few weeks ago, you could not travel more than 10 kilometers outside your residence or be outside in groups of… read more
Making Memories in Germany
1. Castles Germany is home to more than 20,000 castles. While some are breathtakingly beautiful and seem as if a Disney princess should be at home, others have become medieval ruins that only hint at their former grandeur. Exploring castles is a great way to spend a weekend! 2. Food… read more
Preparing to Say Goodbye and Hello
In celebration of my last blog post on Global Ambassadors, I’m taking some time to reflect over my favorite memories during my time abroad, such as biking down the Donau Canal, countless visits for gelato, unforgettable trips around Austria and other countries, building beautiful new friendships, learning German and gaining… read more
Welcoming Spring in Sweden!
Spring is finally here! After spending the first two months of my semester abroad experiencing the dark and cold days of a Swedish winter, I have a new appreciation for the sun and warmer weather. Spring is often thought of as a symbol of change, and that has been especially… read more
Life Lessons in Austria with a Side of Gelato
It’s hard to believe that I’ll be going home in just six weeks. Six weeks until the end of the semester sounds scary, but six weeks until I leave Vienna sounds scarier. I can’t even put into words what this time abroad has done for me, my confidence, my heart… read more