Study Abroad

Going on this trip was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  I learned that my life’s purpose goes way beyond what I thought before.  I hope to continue on living my life seeking the same joy, peace and fulfillment that I felt throughout this whole adventure.

My experience in Warsaw, Poland was a profound lesson in resilience, witnessed through the lives of individuals, the struggles of a nation, and the weight of history. Presenting research on Jane Addams at Warsaw University deepened my appreciation for her legacy as a social reformer who championed peace and equality, often in the face of gender-based discrimination. Similarly, visiting the Marie Curie Museum was especially meaningful to me as a woman studying science. Curie’s groundbreaking scientific achievements, accomplished despite widespread skepticism toward women in science, exemplify intellectual and personal perseverance.

Exploring the Warsaw Uprising Museum revealed the incredible determination of Polish resistance fighters during one of the most harrowing chapters of World War II. Their courage and sacrifice showed a national spirit of endurance that was both humbling and inspiring. The visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau was emotionally devastating, a stark, unforgettable confrontation with human suffering and cruelty, but also with the strength of those who endured it.

This journey not only expanded my academic and cultural understanding but also instilled in me a deeper sense of gratitude and personal resolve. Witnessing so many stories of resilience — from scientists and reformers to entire communities — challenged me to pursue my goals with the same courage and conviction, regardless of obstacles.