On the day I started college at the University of Oregon, I was utterly lost as to what I wanted to do with my life. To say I felt out of place would be an understatement. Coming from a high school where my graduating class only had nine students, I found the leap to a renowned university overwhelming, to say the least. The surprising part? My leap to Europe is what helped me find my place in this world.
I found myself toggling through the introductory courses during my freshman year like tasks to check off at the end of the quarter. What was the point of taking classes about subjects I didn’t enjoy? I couldn’t see how any of it was beneficial because nothing clicked. That was, until my Spanish professor persuaded me to apply to a Spanish immersion program in Segovia, Spain.
I didn’t speak a word of Spanish, but I decided to shoot my shot. Next thing I know, I’m flying to Europe to finish my freshman year in Spain. Not only was this my first time in Europe, but it was my introduction to adulthood and navigating life on my own.
Being in a foreign country, immersed in a different culture and a language I didn’t know, felt isolating at first. My host mom didn’t speak any English, and I was about 5,415 miles away from everything I ever knew. But by taking it one day at a time, I began to fall in love with everything being abroad entailed.
I found being immersed in a foreign culture and learning Spanish to be one of the most empowering experiences of my life. I had the chance to connect with an entirely new part of the world — not just through language, but through traditions, food and history. I experienced Spanish holidays, shared meals with locals and explored historical monuments that hold such unique stories of the past. That’s when I realized the power of communication and how it connects us beyond borders.
This realization sparked my curiosity. I thought, “How could I possibly make my passion for connecting with people into a career?”
At first, I laughed at my own question. I didn’t understand how communications could be a viable career choice. What did that even mean? What would I do? I was lost for answers. All I knew was connecting with people, embracing cultures and exploring different parts of the world lit a fire inside me that I hadn’t realized was there.
Feeling excited, confused and desperate for direction, I turned to my friends in my program. I shared how this was the path I wanted to follow, but I had no idea where to begin. Luckily, they had the answers I needed.
They introduced me to public relations — what it entailed, how it was a combination of strategy and creativity, and how it checked off every box I didn’t even realize I was looking for. In that moment, I saw the perfect opportunity to pursue a career of storytelling, cultural connections and making an impact. What started as an impossible idea quickly became a clear and exciting future.
Three years later, here I am putting it into action.
