Africa Awaits

“A ship is always safe at shore, but that’s not what it’s built for.” -Albert Einstein I have officially committed to my Spring 2019 field placement in Ghana, West Africa. You would not even begin to believe the emotions I am trying to contain....

And off she went, to change the world

The day before I left to start this amazing journey, I felt as if my heart would explode with all of these emotions that I couldn’t express. I was excited to experience a different culture, I was excited to meet my host family. However, I was also nervous about the...

Packing for success

      Packing up and moving for 5 months is not an easy feat. Especially when you have to add baggage weight limitations and the ability to take everything you have on the go. Then you add in the fear of something being lost or stolen, and it turns into an...
Through the Windshield

Through the Windshield

For the past six months, I’ve heard a steady stream of advice regarding this next semester abroad: stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, take pictures, carry cash, honestly I could dedicate this entire post to all of the tips, tricks, recommendations, and well wishes...

Don’t stop.

Annnnnnd, we’re back. In America. The home of the brave and land of the free and what not. And let me tell you, it actually is kind of nice to be back. My first night home I all but guzzled a cup of cheese dip at my favorite local Mexican restaurant. Later that week I...

I love London.

Culture shock. Before I left for study abroad and once I arrived at my new temporary home, it seemed to be all people could discuss. I patiently sat through at least five different lectures or online seminars with a graphic of the same culture shock curve presented...

Back Home

After spending more than four months living and studying in Scotland, I returned home to Birmingham three days ago. In these first few days, my adjustment back to life in the U.S. has been harder than I had expected. My body wakes me up by 5 each morning (noon in...