My name is Xayda, I'm from Owasso, Oklahoma, and I am twenty-two years old. I recently graduated from the University of Tulsa, where I studied Psychology and Spanish. During college, I discovered my love for traveling. I went to Perú, Nepal, and Spain with study programs at my school. I love traveling because it gives me the opportunity to learn about other cultures and perspectives that are different from my own. For example, did you know that most people in Spain take a nap every afternoon called a "siesta"? Or that Spaniards tend to eat dinner a lot later than we do here, sometimes as late as 11:00 p.m. or midnight? I am so excited to return to Spain and learn more about how Spaniards live their everyday lives.
However, this journey is a big step out of my comfort zone because I will be gone for nine months! This will be my biggest journey yet as it is the longest I have ever been away from my home, as well as from my friends and family. Thankfully I can text, call, and Facetime them! Here in Tulsa, I have a big family, with four sisters and one brother. In my free time, I like reading, going on long walks and runs, watching movies, playing geography games, thrifting, and spending time with my friends and family.
While I am in A Coruña, I am going to share all the parts of my adventure with your class. Traveling and living abroad can be fun, thrilling, eye-opening, and inspiring. It can also sometimes feel lonely, uncomfortable, and challenging. One thing is for sure and that is I am going to learn A LOT! I will share about where I go, how I feel, and everything I learn along the way. Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you!
Want to learn how you could be a Fulbright Scholar like me? The Fulbright Program is the United States government's flagship international exchange program. Fulbrighters foster mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, share knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world. Learn more by clicking here!
