My time in Barcelona, Spain, is officially over, and looking back, I don't think I realized how much I would change until I started seeing pieces of home again. During my last few weeks, I got to explore more of Barcelona's architecture, including Casa Batlló and finally seeing the Sagrada Família. Getting to see the Sagrada Família with my mom made the experience even more special because it was something I had wanted to see since arriving.
I also got to attend an FC Barcelona game, which was one of the most meaningful experiences of my trip. One of the reasons I chose Barcelona was because my uncle raised me to be a Barça fan, so getting to actually sit in the stadium and experience a game in Barcelona felt surreal. It was a full-circle moment that connected something I grew up with at home to the experience I was having abroad.
I haven't returned to the United States yet because I decided to stay in Europe a little longer and take advantage of the opportunity to travel. However, having some of home come to me through my mom and sister has already given me a small taste of what returning will feel like. Seeing my family again felt completely natural, almost as if I had never been gone for two months. At the same time, I noticed something different in the way we interacted. I'm still the same person with the same personality, but I have a stronger sense of confidence and a better understanding of myself and my decisions.
One thing I want to bring home with me from Spain is the idea that relaxation should not have to be earned. People here work hard, but they also understand that taking time to slow down and enjoy yourself is a necessary part of life. I want to hold onto that mindset instead of returning to the idea that I always need to be productive.
Studying abroad also pushed me far outside of my comfort zone. One of the biggest challenges was being alone and making new friends in a foreign country. Thankfully, I'm grateful for the people I met and the friendships I made. Even though I'm graduating this summer, I hope to see them again at football games or whenever I visit Eugene.
For anyone who shares my strong family connection or feels nervous about being away from home, I would absolutely encourage you to study abroad. Being away from the people you love can be difficult, but it gives you the chance to discover who you are when you're responsible for yourself. Don't be afraid to apply, even if you're nervous. You may come home realizing that you are capable of much more than you thought.
Andrea Rivera, Diverse Ducks Ambassador
GlobalWorks Internship in Barcelona
