Honors Senior Alexa Olson, interdisciplinary studies major with Spanish minor, spent Spring 2017 semester studying abroad in Valparaíso, Chile. Thanks to support from the Honors College, Alexa was able to explore life in another country, language, and culture. This experience coalesced around Alexa's myriad interests including linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and Spanish.
Alexa was in Valparaíso from February through June. Of her time there, Alexa shares, "One of the beauties of studying in Valparaíso was the colorful and curving streets that climbed the many hills in the area. From Plaza Sotomayor, a central plaza in the city, you could take an 'ascensor' (funicular railway) up to the cerros [hills or mountains] or find some never-ending stairs for a small challenge before reaching the top. I visited the cerros many times with friends and family, stopping to take in the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and port that lay beyond, or finding new creative street art as I explored the winding streets."
As with many Honors students, the international experience was pivotal to Alexa's individual growth and professional development. Though these experiences, Honors students gain new perspective on the world and themselves. They become more flexible, resilient, and empathetic—the people we want to share the world with tomorrow.
Photo contributed by Alexa pictures her at the "cerros." As she explains, "this
picture reminds me of my sense of wonder as I was traveling and living in another country as well as the gift of beauty which can be see in sunsets, people, buildings, street art, and making the most of your time."
Story by Garrett Alexandrea McDowell, Ph.D.
