This all started when one of my mentors, Bianca, recruited me to do a study abroad program. She was a first-generation student whom I knew did a study abroad program. I was really scared at the beginning of my study abroad application because no one in my family has done it before. After talking with some of the University of Washington Bothell staff, I felt little reassurance that I can do it. I feared the tuition because many of the study abroad programs I saw were expensive. I was hesitant because of the high price, but thanks to the UWB Ambassador scholarship and other scholarships, I could attend this program. Without these scholarships, I don’t think I would have gone to this program. I would want all students interested in studying abroad to apply for these scholarships because they can help them in the long run.
I choose the Politics of Soccer in Spain and Beyond because I did not know how soccer was related to politics since I thought soccer was just a game people play for fun. After I saw it on the University of Washington website, I was interested in the topic because I wanted to learn the politics often manifesting itself through sports. When I went to Spain, I learned how politics and soccer, or sports diplomacy describe the use of sport to influence diplomatic, social, and political relations.
When I went to Spain for my study abroad, I learned a lot about their history and their beautiful architectural buildings. In Spain we met a lot of people who are friendly and inviting, their city is vibrant at night. Many people there have a laid-back, relaxed life compared to the United States. You will see many people in the afternoon drinking wine and holding their babies in the bar which I thought was very different from what I am used to in the United States. When I was in Spain, I got to learn their language and you have better learning opportunities since you are creating social networks around the world.
Personally, I really want to recruit freshmen and first-generation students because I know as a freshman, we don’t really know what kind of opportunity our school offers us. I feel like as alumni I need to tell them about the opportunity; we have so that they can think about it! Many first generation students have no idea it’s possible for them to study abroad because many of whom are the first generation are poor and our income holds us back from not doing the global study. I want all the students to know that by studying abroad, you can experience new places and cultures, make friends from around the world, and gain a global perspective–while earning credits towards your degree. You’ll learn a lot about another culture by living in abroad, and you have the chance to make lifelong connections and meaningful relationships. Sharing stories and ideas with people from a different culture will help you understand their values, and perhaps help you sort out your own.
