This March, I was accepted to attend my Spring 2013 semester at the University of Hawaii at Hilo through the National Student Exchange program. Travel has always been a great interest of mine. I remember fondly the family road trips and vacations from my younger years. I have always expressed interest to incorporate travel into my life. For me, a semester abroad would give me an independent start on this. While spending a semester at Hawaii may just sound like an extended spring break to some, I am looking to gain much more than a good tan and some souvenirs. Although my friends and family are undoubtedly the most important things in my life, I am hoping to gain some independence, maturity, and a greater sense of identity through my time away. I think that I will be able to gain some perspective on my life through this "tropical retreat". I have always been somewhat of an introspective person. In my younger years, I often spent time hidden away with a book. I think this trip is essential to regaining my purpose and reconnecting with myself. I have some difficult years of schooling ahead of me. I feel that Hawaii will allow me to step out and prepare for the hardships that medical school may have in store for me. I will have to be mentally strong and academically focused to excel in medical school. For me, Hawaii is an escape to give me the mindset needed to finish my undergrad strong, and prepare for my future.
Of course, spending a semester away is a big decision, and comes with some hardships, mainly financial. The price of living in Hawaii is much higher. From rent to shipping to traveling costs, spending a semester in Hawaii will cost about $2000 more than a semester at my current school. Obviously, I have some big decisions to make in a short amount of time! Who knows, maybe a year from now I will be blogging from a Hawaiian shoreline under a palm tree :)
here's to living,
T.
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