When I was twelve, my family moved to Chile for three years. I can still remember how upset I was driving to the airport, my head filled with doubt, worry and loneliness. On the plane, my dad put his arm around me and leaned in close to my ear. He whispered, “Sometimes we have to do what we don't want to do to get what we want to get.”
At the time I did not realize how much wisdom was in those words or how many wonderful experiences awaited me because I chose to make my time in Chile a positive experience. The adjustments were not easy, but each new opportunity helped me improve. I slowly began to adapt and form a deep love for a country that I initially had wanted nothing to do with.
My experience in Chile taught me something that has become one of my greatest strengths: adaptability. I have had many experiences stepping outside of my comfort zone throughout my life in order to accomplish difficult tasks, some of which include service trips abroad to Mexico and Spain, completing undergraduate and graduate degrees, and publishing my writing. My education and international travel have broadened my life perspective and given me an ability to express myself to multiple audiences, think and plan strategically, assume leadership roles, and work hard under pressure. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience in order to contribute to my career, my family, and my community.
At the time I did not realize how much wisdom was in those words or how many wonderful experiences awaited me because I chose to make my time in Chile a positive experience. The adjustments were not easy, but each new opportunity helped me improve. I slowly began to adapt and form a deep love for a country that I initially had wanted nothing to do with.
My experience in Chile taught me something that has become one of my greatest strengths: adaptability. I have had many experiences stepping outside of my comfort zone throughout my life in order to accomplish difficult tasks, some of which include service trips abroad to Mexico and Spain, completing undergraduate and graduate degrees, and publishing my writing. My education and international travel have broadened my life perspective and given me an ability to express myself to multiple audiences, think and plan strategically, assume leadership roles, and work hard under pressure. I look forward to using my knowledge and experience in order to contribute to my career, my family, and my community.