Over the last three years, all I have ever wanted to do is study abroad while at North Central College.  Though, I was faced with many challenges as I attempted a solution.  As an Elementary Education major with two of the largest endorsements possible (English Language Learning and Special Education), it was terribly difficult to fit a study abroad into my schedule.  Also, I work several jobs to pay for school, so finances and time are tight.  Another roadblock was the factor of familiar support.  During a difficult economic time, I know it was difficult for my mom to agree to such an expensive trip when we are working so hard to pay for my tuition.  Some part of me was still determined to find a way to explore another country.
    After some tedious planning and lengthy conversations with my advisor, I was convinced that time abroad would not be in my future.  Then, I received an e-mail from her with a “one last shot” vibe to it.  It included the link to each of the trips for D-Term 2012.  I was immediately drawn to the Germany and the Italy/Greece trips.  I knew that I needed a course with credit to make it financially wise, and quite honestly, who wouldn’t want to go to any of those locations?  My (partial) Italian heritage and love for Italian was a strong argument for the Italy/Greece trip.  Though, after discussing the trips with my brother and reading about recent news in each country, I knew that the economic unrest was a risk that I was not willing to face.  From there, I selected Germany.  After hashing out all of the financial and scheduling details, I was set! 

This image was taken at an Ulta Beauty store.  The new Germany collection was released the night before I took this picture.  Polish names include "Berlin There, Done That," "Don't Talk Bach to Me," "Deutsche You Want Me Baby" and so on.  I had a blast looking at the names when a sales associate and I started talking about the collection.  Later, I spoke with a different associate who couldn't believe how intrigued I was by the names, where most customers un-cap every color and just start trying them on.  I discussed with her that I would be studying in Germany and she was impressed that I saw the collection as something more than just a color palette.  Clearly, the names have ties to German culture from the past and present. 
    Quite frankly, this trip will be something like a coming-of-age experience for me.  I have financed the trip entirely on my own (in addition to helping pay my tuition), will be seeing a place no one in my family has, and will be traveling outside of the United States for the first time.  All of these reasons are major factors for my family.  I know that this experience will hold great value for my future.

(Accessed 8/23/2012  http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005263)
This picture was taken in Oranienburg, Germany in 1933.  The image caption stated that it was of political leaders that were taken prisoner to a concentration camp.  I have always been fascinated by WWII and the concentration camps.  I would love to see some historical sites associated with the war and how they are studied/preserved today.

    While educating students, the best way to explain something is to make connections.  Worldly experiences, like this trip abroad, will open many opportunities to see things in a different light and better explain various aspects of our world.  More specifically, while educating students who do not speak English (my English Language Learning students), I will be able to connect to a time where I have struggled in a foreign setting.  I do not know more than a few words of German, and am excited to step outside of my comfort zone and learn about what it feels like to be in a new country with different norms, culture, food, and most of all, language. 
    Let’s get ready for an amazing 2 1/2 weeks of travel!

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