I just have one more night of sleep before embarking on my trip to Prague; I figure I’ll have some trouble sleeping on the plane, as much as I will try to. My suitcase is pretty full, but I made note to leave some room for souvenirs. I am feeling both nervous and excited. This is the first time I will be going on a major trip without the comfort of my family, and it’s my second time travelling to Europe. However, over the last few weeks, the pre-departure meetings I’ve attended have helped me to feel more comfortable, informed, and eager.
As I’ve gathered more details about this trip, I really like that the itinerary combines cultural, professional and academic experiences into one trip. This will allow me to gain a well-rounded perspective of the Czech Republic. I look forward to learning a ton, but my main academic focus is on the infrastructure (transportation, structures, etc.).
Aside from academic goals, a personal goal of mine is to advocate for myself when needed. As a kid, I was very bashful and struggled to speak up if I needed something. I want to make sure that I speak up for myself if I ever am having trouble with something, especially health-wise. More generally, I want to ask questions unapologetically so that I can clarify any confusions I may be having while learning about the Czech Republic.
See you in Prague!
Swanson School of Engineering 