Submitted by Samantha Nowell on the 2017 winter session program in Cuba sponsored by the Department of Art…
Studying abroad taught me a lot. I learned about a culture that is the polar opposite of my own. I learned that disconnecting is the key to productivity. I also learned the hard way that I really need to brush up on my Spanish the next time I go abroad! But by far, the most important thing that I learned from studying in Cuba this winter was that fear can be used as inspiration.
When I was about twelve years old, I had my first panic attack. I remember everything about that moment because after that, fear dictated my entire life. For the months and years to follow, I was terrified of having another episode. Because of this, I avoided crowds, school and any place that that made me even remotely uncomfortable (which was basically everywhere). I felt like I was never going to live a normal life because my fear held me back.
In high school, I was taught that stepping out of your comfort zone is the first step towards living a fulfilling life. I was told it so many times that I started to believe it. I began to be honest with myself and the people around me and because of this, I was able to let go of the thoughts that held me back for so long.
In college, I tested what I had been taught for those four years of high school. I was hesitant to study abroad because I was scared. The first few days in Cuba were a little hard for me. I had never been out of the country before, never traveled without my family and never been away from home for more than 3 weeks. After I had gotten comfortable, I fell in love with Cuba, with traveling, with being uncomfortable. I realized that everything my high school had told me was true. Stepping outside of my comfort zone was terrifying, but doing it and going abroad was the most rewarding experience. Now, I realize that I can do anything.