When I submitted my application to study abroad in Brussels, I wasn’t just signing up for a semester of waffles and weekend trips. I was searching for answers. It sounds dramatic, I know. Nietzsche was echoing in my head with ideas of the eternal return—wondering which version of my life I’d willingly live on repeat. I needed this semester. Brussels wasn’t just a city; it was a chance for me to take a step back and reassess. I saw this as an opportunity to step outside my usual frame of reference and get closer to figuring out who I am and where I belong in this world.
So, naturally, I did what anyone on the verge of a mini-existential crisis would do: I wrote a to-do list in my notes app. It wasn’t just tasks to complete— it was a guide to living deliberately, an attempt to squeeze meaning out of, what I was sure would be, a fleeting experience. Now that I’m here, it’s become a map for the kind of experience I’ve carved out for myself.
Reflections on this to-do list:
#1. Pick a career path (and actually come to a decision)
Being a senior is scary! The big question before coming to Brussels was about my future. I’d spent far too long, (the past four years) wondering what I truly wanted to do, and I felt the need to make a decision. Now that the semester is almost over, I feel like I’ve made more progress than I expected. Being in a new environment with new perspectives has given me a clearer insight into what excites me. The decision still feels like it’s unfolding, but I’m more confident in the direction I’m headed.
#2. Reuniting with/in Paris
This one is self-explanatory. Paris is a city that has a magnetic pull on me. I made it back to Paris this semester, and each time was a beautiful reminder of the person I became there. The trips were short, but they were meaningful. The friendships I made in Paris became some of the most significant of my life. These reunions were full of laughter and meaningful conversations, reinforcing just how important it is to nurture the relationships that help shape you into the person you’re becoming.
#3. Actually improve my spoken French
My French skills have improved far more than I had anticipated. Thanks to my daily interactions in the gym and the supermarket, I can now hold conversations with much more confidence. It wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Looking back, my notes app list has become more than just a list of things to cross off. It’s been a reflection of the person I’m becoming, the experiences I’ve had, and the lessons I’ve learned. Without anticipating it, this experience shaped me in ways I didn’t expected.
To anyone considering studying abroad, I implore you to make your own list— not just for the tasks you need to complete, but as a guide for the person you want to become. Life doesn’t always give us clear answers, but the journey is an opportunity to ask the right questions. Brussels has helped me find mine. Where will your study abroad journey take you?
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