Jessie Lovallo
Global Business Institute: Sydney
Spring 2023
Hello again, it’s Jessie! I am writing this with only twenty days left of my stay in Sydney. There are many things that I would tell my pre-departure self as I feel like I have grown so much from my experiences here. With every new adventure I was lucky enough to take part in, I developed a deeper understanding of life, and a new perspective on my own identity. The most important thing I have learned through this experience is that I need to worry less. The world is so large, with so many different people, and so many unique ways to live. I worry way too often about my grades and the success of my future endeavors, but I realize now that there is not enough time to fill my life with stress and worry. I have had the chance to see the most beautiful places on the planet and it has changed my mindset on the meaning of life and what I personally want out of my own life. It is unnecessary to drown in anxiety over the things I cannot control. I have learned that I can have motivation without also having stress. Seeing these amazing places has taught me that I want to continue to travel and see the world so I feel motivated to succeed in a career that will allow me to do so. It has also given me relief because I have a better perspective of how large the world is. The tiny defeats that I once narrowed in on, seem worthless to me now. There is not enough time to wallow in self-pity when there is so much greatness that the world has to offer.
If I could speak to myself right before this trip, I would tell myself to enjoy every minute I have. Very cliche. I would tell myself that I am going to make my favorite memories. I would tell myself that money comes and goes, so spend it all while you’re here so you can leave with no regrets. Even though I am broker than I will hopefully ever be in my life, I believe every dollar spent was worth it. I rather be broke than be filled with regret. I have visited so many beautiful places, eaten so much delicious food, and have shared the best memories with my best friends. Nothing has really shocked me about this experience because it has been what I expected but just better. Most of all, I feel like I have developed a whole new meaning of the word ‘grateful’. I am determined to spend my remaining days here like it is my last and will update you on my final blog.. So sad.
