For the past two years, I have been studying communications and criminal justice, hoping one day I would eventually have a job in homeland security. For years, I thought I had wanted work within that field. I have thought of many other careers as well, such as things like biologist and neonatal nurse. However, I never would have thought I might want to become an English teacher–in a different country.
When I first saw there was a communications trip to Barcelona, Spain, I applied not thinking much of it. I just thought things like “well, I could go, but it wouldn’t be a big deal to not.” I originally only had the thought lingering, and was not for sure about my decision. Eventually, I decided I wanted to fully commit and go, and I am so happy and thankful I did.
I remember getting to the airport and seeing everyone together for the first time, the group immediately clicked. I knew at this moment that this was going to be a wonderful trip. However, I did not realize that the whole career path I have been working towards would change.
When we had our first tour, with Patrick Reyes, he noted how he decided to move to Barcelona for a year to see how he liked it, but never really came back home. He also talked about how he became an English teacher in Barcelona, and that was kind of the start of his new life in Barcelona. When I heard him say that, I thought about it for a second and thought that would be cool and interesting. However, I did not think that I would have enjoyed the thought of it as much as I did.
The rest of the trip, I thought about becoming an English teacher for children in Barcelona. Everywhere I looked, I could see myself living, eating or shopping there everyday. I became more and more comfortable with the city, and began seeing myself there even more. We even walked by an English school for kids, and all I could imagine was myself working there someday.
As soon as I got on the plane to come home, I emailed my advisor. I asked her about adding a Spanish minor to my degree. I hope to become fluent in Spanish by minoring in it. I also want to move to Barcelona after graduating to help me learn even more. If I am familiar with a lot of the language, being around other people who only speak Spanish would help me become more fluent.
Barcelona brought me many, many things. It not only brought me friendships that will last a lifetime, but it also showed me what I really want to do in life. I will always be thankful for what this trip has brought me, and I will definitely be back in Barcelona one day.
-Calista