Oh! Me too: A quick but thoughtful Reflection--

A quick but thoughtful Reflection--
Well obviously some time has past since Europe and
Actually, my life has gone through some major changes since being abroad...
So my reflections have become passive appreciations for experiences abroad with
the program that are often overshadow by the "now" of many new experiences in my life
(such as owning a home/ renovating - exhausting, btw-, planning and having a wedding,
gaining a husband.....yata yata yata).
In spite of these changes, passive thoughts remind me of the invaluable experiences in Europe… &
The once in life-time adventure that I so thankfully had the honor of taking part in.
Rather it be dart blowing at animal-like cardboards, "kicking it" with veterinary students- and unmasking
Culture differences, or making a number of culture faux pas... I truly believe my horizons have
been expanded to become more sensitive to culture differences of those a sea away & that
my veterinary career has also become more mature- because the way we do things in USA isn't the
way they do it everywhere- and there is always opportunity to learn where there are differences
of such are involved- and many of these differences I was able to key in on.. and perhaps one day
this will enable me to "think outside the box" ... and gain a greater perspective... Lastly, this experience
has definitely convinced me even more-so that I am in one of the most dynamic careers in the world
... filled with endless career choices- if only I take the reigns...

To those considering going... ask for another week to be involved in the program = less schnelling
so you can be more awake for the cool, cool things you do and see... and definitely, just go.

Sorry for the ramblings.

Brittany

So I forgot to write my last post...

but it's ok, because I actually just ordered all my pictures from the trip so I got to re-live all the memories. Looking back I am SO HAPPY that I got to go on this trip. Not only did I get to experience a new country (or three), I got an exercise in group dynamics and the hazzards of financial aid.

In all seriousness though, the experience was one of a kind. I was constantly fascinated by how veterinary students are taught in Europe; there were some things I thought we could really learn from (Utrecht's study lab anyone?). I also became a little bit more grateful for some of the things we have in the USA, such as strict course structure and motivation to finish in a timely fashion. I loved my host students, and it made me a lot more interested in being the one hosting for next time someone needs a place to stay.

Am I a different person? Probably not. Am I a more educated, thoughtful version of myself? Of course. Gaining a new perspective on how things can be done will do that. Every time I travel abroad I become a bit more thoughtful and considerate of the fact that there are many ways to approach the same topic. I can't wait to get my pictures in the mail, so I can look at them yet again and show everyone just how awesome it can be to leap outside your comfort zone and experience life in a new way.