Today is Your Day

As a kid my parents would always read me a Dr. Seuss story about a young kid exploring the world in a hot air balloon. This story always was my favorite and stuck with me throughout life. In turn I ended up spending a lot of my older life abroad, and overseas. I like to think this story as a kid had a direct impact on my life today, and the amazing adventurous I had abroad. I love to travel, to explore, and experience new things. I have hiked mountains, crossed oceans, and immersed myself in new worlds. These experiences have changed my life forever. Giving me new perceptions of my life, as well as our world. I have learned more in matters of months, than I have in years of schooling. In doing so there has been ups and downs. The initial trip is always hard to reach out and meet new people, to learn new languages, and to be away from those you love. Yet with a little motivation, and a determination to enjoy your new life the gates open. The memories, experiences, information, scenery, people, foods, and life you adapt to is more than refreshing. Its an awakening of knowledge. I like to think this quote “Your mountain is waiting” has guided me through these experiences. There is always a peak to climb, a challenge to tackle, and a experience to be had. This is the title of my collage, and I consider it the title page to the story of my life. The line today is your day, tells me there is no better time than now, you cannot wish for anything, you must make it happen yourself.

I cannot think of anything better I could have chosen to do these last few years then remove myself from certain environments, and situations at home. To gain a new social network of friends, to make connections across the globe, and to make memories I will never forget. While many think living overseas is scary, or some thinking it is just partying and traveling there is so much more to it. Studying in Spain allowed me to diverse my love of music, now listening to Riggaton. To force myself into learning a language I grew up hating in middle school spanish classes. I learned to dance, to eat new foods, and saw some of the most amazing places I've ever been.

While in London I was fascinated by the never ending sprawl of the British skyline. The city dwarfs our great pride of New York, New York as if it were a small town. I was able to pick up new words, adding Cheers! To my everyday vocabulary, and met interesting british friends, I talk with to this day. While I was there, my first trip I learned to be self dependent, to socialize more so than ever, to cook, and found the passion to explore, and walk out of my comfort zone.

Below I have included just a handful of pictures of some of my trips overseas, a few friends, landmarks, and some memorable experiences. These memories will live with me forever and the knowledge, and skills they have given me allow me to be the person I am today. The discourses I learned while abroad allowed me to succeed in college, to engage in a social world, and meet life long friends!

Thanks!

-Lewis Fierle.