JORDYN LINSK
School: Northeastern University
Abroad: Independent travel through Semester at Sea

Jordyn's Travel Diary...

Studying abroad is by far the most rewarding and enriching experiences I've ever had. I probably learned more about myself in the few months that I traveled around the world than I have in my five years at Northeastern. There's not a day that goes by where I don't reflect on the experiences I had and the people I met while traveling, simply because they are part of me now. They make me whole.

My outlook on the world and the many challenges that plague our international community are pervasive in my mind. Life does not stand still - not when someone travels, and most certainly not when someone is home. I get joy out of embracing experiences and ideas that may initially present themselves as unfamiliar, as new. My being a different person today than I was only a few years ago is a direct result of the places I have visited around the globe. I underestimated the power of Semester at Sea, Dialogue of Civilizations to Greece, and my many other travels to have that kind of impact.

However, in every experience I've had abroad, what I've realized is that I always seem to be searching for something greater than myself. But I've also come to understand that I sometimes gain the greatest insight into my life, when I apply what I've learned from traveling to my life at home - in Philadelphia or Boston. That's not to say I don't
want to see the rest of the world. The travel bug has bitten. I'm itching even just to start a new journey overseas as soon as graduation comes along. There are so many places left to see, but overall, one thing I have lacked while traveling is sharing these amazing experiences with the people that mean the most to me. It makes a difference and I've learned that through my travels.

I have learned more than anything how much I value my friends and family at home. These places I have had the great privilege of exploring, genuinely, have shown me how to appreciate absolutely everything. I am so thankful for every opportunity, every person, every breath, every sleep, every tradition, ever corner I come in contact with. And that is why, I will be not a tourist, but a traveler for the rest of my life. I encourage everyone, especially my peers, to do the same.

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