During my first year at university, I joined every engineering related activity I could think of. My moto was, if I haven’t experienced it, I wouldn’t know if I liked it or not. As a result, I ended up spending a lot of time at my university. From breaking through the research in biomedical engineering , to building the next best off-road racing car.
On top on it, I grew up in a family, which valued education above most things. Hence, with all their support and influence, being a dedicated and hard-working student was never hard for me. Not only was it the best way to express my gratitude to my parents, but it also opened the door to my personal, intellectual and spiritual growth.
One thing that I had not realised is that by spending so much time at school, I was spoiling the taste of it. I was struggling staying at school, concentrate and became quite unmotivated. I felt like there was so much more to life, which I wanted to experience.
Many cultures believe that studying abroad, or even travelling, help individuals become a better-rounded person because they are exposed to a new culture, environment, and personalities. One thing you should know is that they are all absolutely true.
Going to Sydney not only helped me re-appreciate all the things I have right now, but also reassessed the reasons why I chose engineering as an undergraduate degree in the first place and strengthen my decision to stick with it. I discovered a completely different culture, a wide range of engineering possibilities and befriended a wide network of enthusiastic and loveable aussies and international students.
Moreover, I discovered the joy of travelling and backpacking! From diving in the Great Barrier Reef, sleeping under the stars in the outback, to visiting the ruins of a spanish castle constructed in a tropical forest.... and the list can go on and on, but really, I had an incredible time and so blessed to have been able to see so much.
By the way, the little plushy cuty is named Olly, you'll see loads of him ;). If you guys are interested, I will post a few in depth stories of my travelling experiences in and around Australia.
In conclusion, I do believe that studying abroad not only contributed to my own well-being, but also enriched my capabilities to contribute to my community. As I grow into adulthood, I am slowly realising how big the world is, how broad my opportunities are and how lucky I am to be living in a time where it possible for me to discover it all.