My name is Randee and I'm a student at the University of Utah. I've been waiting about three years for the opportune time to study abroad, and finally; through hard work and dedication, I'm lucky enough to leave next month on a six week educational voyage. I also work full time (I have been since I was 18) at the University Hospital, so as you can imagine, it was difficult to obtain unpaid leave away from work. Not to mention, I have to sell my car so that I'm able to fully financially support my experience. Not only will I learn Spanish and be humbled by my experience in the Dominican Republic, but I'll gain a sense of empirical knowledge irreplaceable in comparison to a car. That being said, I'm excited to leave my home to confront situations and cultures I've never seen before. My hopes are that it will expand my outlook on life, ultimately helping me decide what every college student fears that they won't; a career path.
I leave around May 23rd(ish), depending on when my standby ticket allows me to leave. First, I'll be laid over in New York City (excited to see some friends), then I'll fly into Santo Domingo where I'll have about a week to do whatever I wish before my classes start. I'm not exactly sure what I'll do once I'm there, and to be honest, I'm not sure where I'll end up... But that’s why I'm so excited. The fear of not knowing is as inspiring and exhilarating as it is scary.
Speaking of fears, I don't have many. Except for cockroaches, those things really creep me out. I know that I'll feel worried and frightening because of the introduction of the new and unrecognizable, but at those times, assuring myself that everything will be okay is important. Not all goes as planned sometimes, but that's part of life, part of my study abroad experience.
