For my 14 weeks abroad thus far, there have been many ups and downs. There have been changes in plans, shortage of money, and seemingly unavoidable confusion. But the bigger picture must be looked at: I’m living in Europe with the most fantastic chance I will ever get in my life to experience the rest of the world. Let me tell you, the bigger picture is what it is all about, and I’ve done my absolute best to seize that opportunity. I can’t begin to describe everything I have done here, but will do my best to give you an overview.

First, I’ve tried to make the most of my time living in Aberdeen as a student. I’ve readily involved myself in several student societies, enrolled in classes I wouldn’t be able to have at Wabash, and befriended people from more countries than I can count. Involvement in societies has granted me opportunities from playing club level soccer for the University to tagging along on discounted trips across the British Isles. As for class, it is refreshing to attend a larger, international University where lifestyles, opinions, and levels of speaking English are so different. Additionally, I’m taking courses in subjects like international politics where I constantly am under the influence of others’ world views—it almost goes without saying that that is an invaluable experience in itself. Lastly, the student body here has been amazing. From the moment I stepped foot in my flat in late January, I’ve been greeted by no less than a warm, outgoing atmosphere. Whether they are students from the U.K., Scandinavia, or from various places across continental Europe, they all have made Aberdeen an extremely welcoming experience.

My experience does not end within the limits of the Granite City, however. Students in the United Kingdom are granted a three-week Easter Break, meaning many of them join in to create mass exodus of people wishing to travel. I was no different. I was lucky enough to be awarded a Givens Scholarship from Wabash, which is a gift from alumni for students to be more involved with arts, and I used the award to see amazing places that I will never forget.  I’ve been to the top of the Eiffel Tower, seen Pope Benedict speak at St. Peter’s in Rome, and even been immersed in the history of Berlin. Sites included both educational stops at the Louvre (Paris) and Galleria dell’Accademia (Florence), but also social venues such as a Hertha BSC vs. Werder Bremen match at the Berliner Olympiastadion.

What is bigger than specific things I saw, however, was the culturing experience. I started out on my trip with only a limited knowledge of German, but was heading to countries such as France and Italy. As a result, my brain turned into a dry sponge. I was able to pick up a few lines in both French and Italian, but I couldn’t stop learning little things everywhere I went. The social education I got from walking down side streets in large foreign cities was something I can’t forget. Bigger than any culturing or historical place I went though was Dachau, Germany. I think that visiting here is the most humbling experience a person may have. Everyone should visit a place like this in their lifetime to know what I am talking about. Thus whether roaming through large international cities or taking the time to walk the grounds of Dachau, I wouldn’t trade the experience on that trip for anything in the world right now.

I’m comfortably back in Aberdeen though and have settled into the final weeks of school and sport. Students here have one more weeks of class, a ‘real’ dead week, then a 3-week examination period. Also, the University football team is in full swing trying to play catch-up in the schedule due to poor weather over the winter. So I’ve been pretty busy for the most part, but am having the time of my life.

Good luck with the finals week fellas. To the seniors, thanks for your hard work over the past four years. I wish you all good luck with your future, your presence will surely be missed. As for the rest of the guys, keep up the good work here in the final stretch. Have a great summer and I can’t wait to be back playing with you in the fall.