Traveling

Traveling, as defined by The World Dictionary, is the change of location from one place to another, as in a country or a city. I have been participating in such travel all over Europe through my study-abroad program. For the past month I have been studying in Madrid, Spain, in subjects like the Sociology of Spain, Nazi Germany and the History of Latin America. Each of these subjects are quite interesting, but I have discovered that I have been learning outside the classroom as well. Every time I venture beyond the school's walls I am introduced to the culture and customs of Spain. I am immersed in the language, the young adult scene, and the beauty that surrounds me. Each day I learn something completely different not only about Spain but also about myself, like the fact that I am an independent person or that I love learning and living in other countries. It does not stop there, though; with every person I meet I am introduced to a new way of looking and thinking about my own country. I am even trying to break some of the stereotypes that are associated with the United States.

With every weekend trip around Europe I am exposed to completely different cultures and ways of life,. At first this can be quite frightening, but I have come to welcome them with open arms. In Morocco, I was shown how poverty and wealth can live and flourish side-by-side. On Paris, where there is immense beauty, there is also immense suffering. Each country has opened my eyes to the world around me, the beauty and the suffering, and I am thankful for that. I came to Spain with the hopes of having an amazing time, learning firsthand how to party from the Madrilenos, and receiving passing grades that would not disappoint my mother. In my short time here, I have grown as a student, a person, and especially a leader. Being able to experience different cultures and ways of thought challenges my own personal ideas of each country that I have visited. I am more accepting of others, and I want to experience the world and everything that it has to offer!

The World Dictionary's definition of traveling isn't sufficient. What needs to be included in that definition is how the change in culture will impact your life. Traveling is a great option when you want to experience something new. When that experience changes who you are and how you view the world around you, then you have truly traveled.