[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ min_height=”1011.9px” custom_margin=”-43px||-309px|||” custom_padding=”16px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”691px” custom_margin=”0px|auto|-1px|auto||” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.9.10″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”543px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_margin=”|11px||||”]<\/p>\n
During my study abroad experience, there was a constant theme, which started when Dr. Mark Phillips told us on our first day of class in Leipzig, Germany, that in order to grow we need to be uncomfortable. Well, I was definitely uncomfortable. Living in a country where they speak a different language was a big reason for my discomfort. I remember struggling to order a pretzel the first day we were there. Travelling was also sometimes difficult because it was unpredictable at times. There were moments when I had to run to catch a train.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But for all of these scary and uncomfortable moments, I am grateful because it is what led me to strengthen my self-awareness and discover who I genuinely am as an individual. I became more confident, and simple tasks that might have intimidated me before have become more comfortable as I was forced to accomplish them using German. Using a new language made everything more challenging, and I found myself enjoying the challenge. I formed amazing friendships.\u00a0 We supported each other when we were having a difficult time, and went through life together for over three months.<\/span><\/p>\n It was amazing to see all the breathtaking scenery in every place we visited.\u00a0 The views were awe-inspiring and made me feel like I could conquer anything this world throws at me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My favorite place to visit was Ireland. There was something magical about that place and it felt unreal seeing the beautiful green fields and jaw-dropping cliffs along the shoreline. Even though it rained almost constantly, I enjoyed spending time outside exploring the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n In Greece, I learned a lot about their history and mythology. It was also the place where I finally felt like I was close to the people traveling with me. They became like family to me, and we ate the best food and took many spontaneous adventures while exploring Greece.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Saxon-Switzerland was another favorite place that I visited. I stayed there for two days with a small group of people and we hiked and explored many mountains and stunning castles. After hours of hiking on the second day, we made it to the pinnacle of a mountain and at that moment it felt like I could see so much of Germany. I had a realization that these moments in life were what made all the struggle worth it. Everything I saw looked extremely small, but in reality, I am even smaller. Throughout this whole study abroad experience, I was able to see how great God is and how little I am compared to His creation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The most endearing and memorable place was, of course, our home base in Leipzig, which continued to grow on me as the trip progressed. I didn\u2019t realize how much it felt like home until I returned from my first travel weekend and instantly relaxed when we stepped off the bus. It is crazy to think that a city in another country with another primary language can feel like a place where I belong.<\/span><\/p>\n This trip will remain with me forever and I know I will travel in the future because of it.\u00a0 I am exceedingly grateful that I had the opportunity to visit and experience so many different countries and cultures. I am forever changed, and my heart and mind are wide open to any adventure God brings my way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.9.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/honorscollege\/files\/2022\/02\/Ferraro_Fall19_2.jpg” title_text=”Ferraro_Fall19_2″ _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|||-36px||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/honorscollege\/files\/2022\/02\/Ferraro_Fall19_3.jpg” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” title_text=”Ferraro_Fall19_3″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”|||-32px||”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.acu.edu\/honorscollege\/files\/2022\/02\/Ferraro_Fall19_4.jpg” _builder_version=”4.14.7″ _module_preset=”default” title_text=”Ferraro_Fall19_4″ hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”|||-31px||”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" During my study abroad experience, there was a constant theme, which started when Dr. Mark Phillips told us on our first day of class in Leipzig, Germany, that in order to grow we need to be uncomfortable. Well, I was definitely uncomfortable. Living in a country where they speak a different language was a big reason for my discomfort. I remember struggling to order a pretzel the first day we were there. Travelling was also sometimes difficult because it was unpredictable at times. There were moments when I had to run to catch a train. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18033,"featured_media":5484,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[22860,497,215527,8232],"class_list":["post-5478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-acu-honors","tag-germany","tag-greece","tag-leipzig"],"yoast_head":"\n