REFLECTION

     When I first set foot at the University of Florida (UF), I was a completely different person than the one writing this today. My state at the time can be compared to my experience arriving in Galway, Ireland - a girl, nervous and confused, dragging around heavy luggage to an unknown destination. However, my present self is more confident and motivated to work hard to overcome any obstacles. It has been my involvement, international experiences, and newfound predilection for challenges that has allowed me to grow so much as an individual.

 

     This journey of change began when I took an officer position within the Korean Undergraduate Student Association. Quickly, I proved myself to others and earned a higher leadership position - one I had never thought I would see myself in. Having various positions thus helped me learn what I wanted in a leader and later the opportunity to apply these ideas. From this experience, I became aware of my abilities and the potential I have to succeed in unexpected situations.  

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     Then came studying abroad. It was a goal of mine because of my craving for intercultural experiences. What I didn't expect, was that from completing the application to the return from the program, it was an immense journey about understanding myself and my capabilities. Although I had previous international experience, it had always been in the company of someone I was close to and comfortable with - my mother, sister-in-law, best friend, etc. Studying abroad was an entirely new obstacle. It involved dealing with a new environment surrounded by new people, so I had to find my way to comfort. The 5 weeks in Ireland truly helped me find confidence in my choices, independence, and more. 

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     One would think that, because Ireland is an English speaking country, that it is not much different from the United States. However, the lack of language barrier made cultural differences much clearer between the two nations. Living in the U.S.A. for so long can make one forget there are other populations with different values and beliefs. It made me feel so ethnocentric, not understanding how even those who speak our same language can be so different. Interacting with locals and inquiring about their values and thoughts on Americans was a refreshing reminder of these differences. We may forget that, despite America's widespread global influence, it is not the center of the world. I feel that now I am more appreciative and understanding of slight differences between people's customs, habits, and values.

 

     My time in Ireland also instilled in me immense confidence. I noticed that, no matter which city or which environment I was placed in, I didn't let it limit me. Unlike several of my program's students, I actively challenged myself. I attended a film screening for Galway's International Film Festival on my own, proving I could find my way across the city independently. I traversed Dublin on my own, attended the extracurricular language courses continuously despite their difficulty, and connected with locals. In groups, I was usually relied on to navigate us to and from locations, because I was prepared. It was my ability to work independently and lead others that made me realize I am a problem solver and don't give up easily. This, in turn, has made me more confident. 

 

     This experience left me wanting more challenges and opportunities to prove to myself that I can overcome ambiguity. And although the study abroad program was a new challenge, I was still given a certain level of guidance. From this, I am left wondering if I could do this again on my own. Can I, and am I, willing to have the same experiences in a country where I don't speak the language? Would I be successful at teaching others how to have this same sense of independence? If I went back independently, how would my experience in Ireland differ from my first? Several questions left unanswered, but I will work to do so in the future.
 

     As graduation approaches, I can at least feel satisfied leaving undergraduate life at UF with a stronger desire to work hard, create more diverse friendships, and maintain my journey towards personal and professional development. 

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