Sometimes the most memorable parts of studying abroad aren’t the places you go, but the
conversations you have. The ones that stick with you long after the moment has passed. Here
are a few that have stuck with me.
The Cold War Argument
Then there was the infamous Cold War debate. Picture this: it’s 9 a.m. on a Sunday on our way
to an excursion, everyone is exhausted, and for some reason two friends were passionately
arguing about Cold War politics on the public bus. At the time, it felt intense, and quite loud, but
afterward, we laughed about it. That morning taught us something important: how to recognize
when it’s time to stop, when to respect boundaries, and when to let go of being “right.” In the
end, this conversation wasn’t about history or politics. It was about learning how to live and
learn together.
The Old Man at Sunset
On our first night in Blackrock, a few of us noticed this old man setting up a tripod and camera
towards the sunset. He eventually came over to talk to us and showed us his facebook page
with pictures from all over Blackrock. He spoke about how even as he got older, he never
stopped chasing the things that brought him joy. And his words have stuck with me as a
reminder that pursuing your passions doesn’t have an expiration date.
Professor Olver’s Family Story
On the last day of our design thinking class, Professor Olver opened up about his family, telling
us the story about his son who survived a devastating accident against all odds. That
experience reshaped his son’s life as he now works as a manager at Chick-fil-A (We love
Chrisitan!!). But more importantly, he dedicates his time to mentoring and supporting students
like us. He even calls us “his kids.” Hearing this story at the end of the program was moving in a
way I didn’t expect. It was a lesson in resilience, in finding purpose after hardship, and in the
power of dedicating your life to others.
Each of these conversations: strange, heated, simple, or deeply personal, left its mark on me.
They reminded me that studying abroad isn’t just about academics or travel. It’s about the
people you meet, the words you share, and the way those moments stay with you, quietly
shaping who you are becoming