English: Before I met my girlfriend, the media’s frequent emphasis on unfavorable preconceptions about Colombia, such crime and violence, greatly shaped my opinion of the country. However, my perspective changed drastically after I got the chance to travel to Colombia…
Learning in Italy
While I am not able to take a full semester to study abroad, I have tried to create other experiences with whatever limited time I have and paltry resources I can round up. While I have extremely limited free time…
Birthdays in the US vs in Paraguay
My smile stretched wide as I saw a delicious vanilla cake on the table. It was my first birthday away from home, but I could not hide my excitement for turning 21. As we began to sing “Happy Birthday,” I…
From the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic – A Journey of Education and Self-Discovery
Growing up in Sri Lanka, a beautiful island nation, higher education abroad seemed like a distant dream. The financial barriers were significant, and my world had revolved around the familiar sights and sounds of home. However, a scholarship opportunity for…
My Greek Life
It’s the simple things in life that bring me joy. So, to be given the opportunity to experience a different culture has been eye-opening. I was hesitant at first—the financial stressors, the long flight traveling alone, the culture shock, but…
From the “Peach Garden” to the “Garden of Eden”
Co-authors: Liangyu Pang & Yi Luo The warm spring has come, and as I walk through the campus, I suddenly notice the colorful flowers blooming everywhere. A poem suddenly comes to mind, “Suddenly I came upon a peach blossom forest.”…