During my time studying abroad, I have had to acclimate myself to a new culture, navigate social interactions in a different language, acquaint myself with a different education system, and adapt to lifestyle changes. However, all of this taught me to be flexible and adaptable, to embrace change, and to approach the unfamiliar with an open mind. I am, without a doubt, better equipped to handle any number of challenging or new situations than I was a year ago. 

I most certainly gained a greater sense of independence while living abroad. Coming from a small town with no forms of public transport, I had to learn to navigate trains, buses, and trams and to read the routes, schedules, and maps for the first time (something which I was rather proud to have mastered on my own fairly quickly.) Confidence with trains in Europe unlocked an incredible amount of mobility and possibilities for me. Aside from that, I budgeted, shopped and cooked for myself, scheduled appointments, planned trips, applied for an internship, joined clubs, and completed school work. I learned to balance responsibilities and work with time to also relax and make the most of being in a new country. This sense of independence and ability to juggle several things will both be invaluable moving forward in my life. 

While I became more self-sufficient, I also learned when to advocate for myself and to ask for help when needed. I encountered problems with exactly this early on during my stay. Prior to my participation in this program, I had not utilized my German language skills outside of academic settings, and, while I am an extrovert in English, this proved not to be the case when it came to speaking German. Initially, I was much shyer than I had ever been before, and I found it difficult to initiate or even join conversations with my housemates and new people I met. I was nervous about making mistakes or misunderstanding people, often feeling embarrassed when I would do so. This was extremely frustrating and challenging for me. However, with time and practice, I began to gradually overcome this. Now, I speak up when I have something to say and ask questions when I do not understand something. While it is still frustrating or uncomfortable sometimes, I know not to be embarrassed by mistakes or misunderstandings but to learn and grow from them — a skill that will be invaluable during the rest of my time at Pitt and beyond. 

Possibly the most significant change during my time abroad was the increase in both my confidence and bravery. Many new experiences and opportunities for exploration were accessible for me in a way they had not been before. However, I had to be willing and motivated to step forward and seize each opportunity. I strove to be open and to try as many new things as I could as well as to fully immerse myself in the culture all around me. The person I am now is far braver and more confident in herself than the person who had never even walked through an airport alone before she flew across the Atlantic Ocean to Germany. 

All in all, I learned and grew a lot during my year in Heidelberg, and this time I spent abroad will stay with me for the rest of my life.