How I've Changed

When I was younger, I lived in Switzerland for two years. Being in another country in such formative years really transformed my own identity and desires in life. I grew to appreciate European culture more and more. It had been a while since I spent a long time in Europe until this study abroad in Cyprus. Being immersed in the European lifestyle once more really reinforced that I want to live abroad. The culture surrounding meals that emphasizes quality time and bonding over great food really resonates with how I want to live. At home, my family and I always sit down at the table for meals and spend a long time just talking. Meals are a social event for me just like they are in Cyprus which further reiterated that I want to live in Europe in the future. Along the same line, the general European daily timeline starts far later and ends later than in America. I became super accustomed to eating late meals in Cyprus and realized that I prefer the timing of Cyprian culture to American culture. Ultimately, adapting to Cyprian/European culture made it clear to me that I want to live in Europe in my future.
            Entering college, I always knew I wanted to study abroad at least once, and luckily I was able to do that in my first year! I enjoyed my trip to Cyprus so much that I am now planning to embark on another study abroad during my college career. I found that learning while in a different culture is extremely beneficial. I think my time in Cyprus has made me a more educated global citizen and more cognizant of the world around me. I don't want this one trip to be the end of my global discovery, so I want to explore more cultures while also participating in their education system. Furthermore, I had never been to a place like Cyprus before so I was a little nervous going but I loved every bit of the trip so much. Traveling to a new place and enjoying it made me realize that I would love to travel to more places around the world that put me farther out of my comfort zone than I'm used to.
            Throughout the trip, we had many business meetings with companies. During these meetings I found myself far more interested in the processes and systems of the companies rather than their business ventures. I was still fascinated by the intricacies of the supply chain and its many networks, but I was more curious about the engineering side of every company. Realizing this further reassured me that I am heading in the right career path as I study chemical engineering, but it also made me open minded to the interdisciplinary nature of the modern workplace. I feel more aware of the function and structure of industries because I got a great insight on supply chains. Although I mainly want to pursue engineering, this study abroad in Cyprus taught me the necessity and beauty of interdisciplinary work in my career, making integrated fields something I will actively seek out.