Many say that after you return home from a trip, you are different or have a different perspective on life. Studying abroad either for a short period of time or a long-extended time has a positive effect on one but could also have a negative effect. After I returned home, I was undeniably a different person than I had been only 18 days before! My perspective of how I viewed the world and how I interact and network with people changed drastically. Having to make friends instantly and adapt quickly was a skill I took back with me and still use daily. Because of my experience abroad, I now have networking skills and can form relationships much easier than I could before.
Personal Growth
If you would ask anyone I know, they will tell you that the Taylor they knew before the trip is a whole completely different Taylor than the one that came back 18 days later. I learned so much in that short period of time: learning how to make friends quickly and learning to be immediately comfortable around my fellow travel companions. Making friends and forming wider networks was one of my weaknesses going into this trip, but after that amazing trip, I now feel like I have improved upon those skills. Being able to network effectively and form relationships is a major need in the business world and in life in general.
Friendships that Last a Lifetime
On the trip itself, I met many new friends that will last a lifetime. I met my absolute best friend on this trip. I never would have thought I would ever meet my best friend and she goes to LSU too! Friendships have the capacity to last forever and change your life. My friendship with her has changed who I am as a person and made me a better friend in general. Being able to have someone you can rely on and them knowing they can rely on you is the best feeling in the world. I feel like she has made me a better person and continues to do so.
Still to this day almost a year later, I still keep in contact with my friends I met other than my best friend. Staying in contact and keeping that bond is important not only for my future but for future relationships and friendships. Making friends and forming different relationships is so important in the business world.
This trip overall was the best thing that has ever happened to me and if I could I would go back and do it all over again. The friendships I formed and the people I met were things I would do all over again if I could. They are very special to me and I would do anything for them. This trip allowed me to gain friends that give me the feeling of bonding with people who have the same interests and have the same goals in life as I do. This trip is something I would consider doing again knowing everything I know now.
