The Return

Coming home, returning, was so sweet. As I stepped off the plane after nearly 12 hours of traveling I ran into the arms of my dad, who I hadn’t seen in over four months. I was excited to breathe the air of America, to use toilets that flushed efficiently, and to enjoy...

viva Chile

I’m about 3 and 1/2 weeks out from my study abroad trip to Santiago, Chile. It’s getting closer and it’s getting more real. I chose to study abroad so that I could fully immerse myself into Spanish culture, in order to learn the language more fully....

Adelante a Colombia!

Program name: ISA in Barranquilla, Colombia University Name: Universidad del Norte I have dreamed about visiting Colombia since my freshman year when I met my first ELI culture and language partner, Carlos. But one never just meets a single Colombian—through Carlos I...

Copa America 2015

I’ll be the first to admit that I am, by far, not really a sports person. I know, I know. Why choose the University of Alabama if you don’t watch sports? Well even though I don’t enjoy watching the games, I really love the atmosphere it creates when an entire group...

Dallas Airport

So here I am. After months of planning and preparation, I’m an hour into a five hour layover before I set foot oon a 747 bound for Sao Paulo, Brazil. My decision to embark on this adventure has been the culmination of chance, a great history class, and a desire...

Why Chile

I’m wandering through the student union in midwinter, attempting to kill time before class. Fortunately for my wanderlust and unfortunately for my finances, today is the study abroad fair. Each booth whispers to me, reaching with phantom hands to pull me closer....

The Death of a Cat

Yesterday at 3 am, Cuchufli, a cat of one and a half years, died. Cuchufli was struck by a car, found by my host sister, and rushed to the hospital. He had suffered a fractured hip, among other things, and it was unclear if he would make it through the night. Sure...