After an all-nighter and a 30-hour travel day, I’ve made it back to the United States and it is time for a bittersweet reflection. My time in Sydney was extremely transformative. Living abroad gave me the opportunity to grow personally, professionally, and academically. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and discovered new strengths and perspectives that I will carry into my remaining college career and the rest of my life.
One of the most valuable skills I honed during this experience was communication. Whether is was navigating a new city, meeting classmates from across the United States, or simply introducing myself to strangers along the way, I learned that being unafraid of stepping outside of your box allows you to meet and learn from others. I built upon my active listening and adaptability, which will help me in my future career. I got to meet people from across the globe, which opened my eyes up to the vastly different walks of life people can come from. I also realized just how small the world can be—even thousands of miles away, I met people who were from my hometown, or knew the same people as me.
Another key skill that I developed was prioritization. With only 6 weeks in the program, I tried to fit adventures into every day (while still prioritizing my education.) I learned how to manage my time effectively so that I could balance academic responsibilities with exploring the new environment I found myself in. This skill with be incredibly useful day-to-day at Pitt Business and into my post-grad career, as I learn to find a work-life balance. Learning to prioritize helps me stay organized and ensure that I make time for the things I love.
Personally, I noticed a growth in my confidence in my independence. I feel comfortable navigating new situations, unfamiliar situations, and building new relationships. I gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity in Australia, and I really loved meeting so many unique individuals while being reminded of how interconnected we all are. In my return, I want to incorporate the lessons that I learned in Australia into my everyday life. The prioritization of balance is something that I noticed in many Aussies, and I hope to bring that back to the United States with me. Professionally, I hope to carry my skills as an empathetic communicator, with a newfound appreciation for all we can learn from each other.
Overall, I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to study abroad in Sydney. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and something that I will cherish forever. I learned invaluable lessons both about myself and the world around me.