This is how I ended up at Ithaca College, a similarly small liberal arts school featuring many more nature trails and a tangible campus. My first semester was a little difficult, and I struggled with making friends and feeling a sense of belonging in a completely new environment. However, with the help of some clubs and amazing people, I found my footing. I am now on the board of several organizations that I enjoy, including our student-run literary magazine and running club, I have two jobs that I love, and I also have a few good friends. My life at Ithaca isn’t perfect, but during past semester I became content with my decision to transfer. I’m very excited to return in the fall for my Senior year as a Writing major and Education minor!
In the meantime, though, what am I doing in the Czech Republic? When I left for college, I knew that I wanted to experience a semester abroad to travel and explore other cultures. My older sister is quite a traveler, as was my cousin, so I’ve had plenty of inspiration. The unfortunate part of leaving Emerson was that if I’d stayed, I would have been able to study abroad in the Netherlands during my second year through my Honors program. Leaving that opportunity for upstate New York was a decision I've learned to accept over time. I spent my first year at Ithaca adjusting to the new environment and people, but I never let go of that dream to travel. I worked with my study abroad office at school, planned with my advisor and at last made study abroad a reality. I was certain that I wanted to go abroad but . . .
