Seoul was truly a crazy time. From the people I met to the places I explored and everything I learned about myself along the way, every part of the experience gave me something new to take home. Each adventure made me more excited to see another part of the world. This was my first time living outside of the United States, and it was easily one of the best and most exciting experiences of my life. I have never enjoyed a period of my life more. Before this trip, I used to think that only one country could have a place in my heart, just somewhere I had lived. Now, I can confidently say that South Korea also has a place there. Seoul was special because of the people, the memories, the experiences, and the feeling of being somewhere completely new.
I am especially grateful to have had the opportunity to experience this through my program and scholarship support. Without that opportunity, I would not have been able to experience another culture in such a meaningful way while also developing professionally. I am leaving Seoul with much more than memories. I am leaving with a different understanding of myself and what I am capable of.
Personally, the biggest change I see in myself is that I am less afraid of the space between feeling something and actually acting on it. Before this experience, there were times when I would think about doing something, consider whether I should, and let that hesitation stop me. In Seoul, I became much more willing to take initiative. Whether it was exploring somewhere new, meeting people, trying something unfamiliar, or simply deciding what I wanted to do with my day, I learned that sometimes the best thing to do is just act.
I also discovered something important about my own happiness and independence. Living abroad removed many of the normal factors that can make life feel stressful. I was in a completely new country, yet I was able to create a life that I genuinely enjoyed. I could explore, meet people, work, relax, and decide what I wanted my days to look like. That taught me that the environment around me does not completely determine whether I can be happy or comfortable. I can create that for myself. If I was able to build a life that felt so natural in Seoul, then I know I can do the same thing in other places throughout my life.
Academically, I gained practical experience that I can bring directly back to Pitt. My internship allowed me to develop my UI/UX skills while working on projects in a professional environment. Being able to take what I have learned in the classroom and apply it in another country gave me a different perspective on my education. I can now compare the skills and approaches I learn at Pitt with what I experienced professionally in Korea. That comparison will help me understand not only how to do the work, but also how different environments can approach the same problems.
Professionally, one of my biggest takeaways was learning how to work as part of a global team. I had to communicate, collaborate, and become integrated into a workplace and culture that were unfamiliar to me. That experience taught me how valuable adaptability can be. Being able to work outside of what I am familiar with is a skill that I can carry into any future career. As someone interested in technology, product, and user experience, I know I will eventually work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. My experience in Seoul gave me a real opportunity to practice that.
When I return to Pitt, I want to bring the mindset I had in Seoul with me. I now know that regardless of where I am, I can find my place, meet people, create experiences, and enjoy my life. I do not have to overthink every decision or wait until I feel completely comfortable before I act. I can simply show up, bring my energy, and see where the experience takes me.
More than anything, Seoul showed me that the world is much bigger than the life I was used to, and that is something I want to continue exploring. I came home with new skills, new memories, new relationships, and a new confidence in myself. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have experienced Seoul, and I know that the lessons I learned there will continue to influence how I approach Pitt, my career, and the rest of the world.
