Upon the completion of my academic program, I embraced unique overseas experiences in both New Zealand and Ireland. Entering into each country without accommodations, employment, or a plan, I quickly became more comfortable with ambiguity, openness, and self-awareness.
During my time spent in New Zealand, minimalism was necessary and improvisation was always in demand. I often found myself in unfamiliar situations and surrounded by ambiguity. While laboring in various capacities, I gained new perspectives from my fellow coworkers.
While in Ireland, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about the complex, rich history of not only my host country, but several other countries in the region as well. Oftentimes in doing so, I had to confront my own expectations and biases in order to open myself and grow.
By living my life in a way that I had never imagined before and by truly pushing the edges of my comfort zone, I found a way to step outside of my own perspective and to better empathize with people from different walks of life.
