Hello! My name is Mackenzie Epperson, and I am a senior majoring in biomedical biology. Some of my hobbies include running, playing pickleball, and spending time with my family and friends.
For the spring 2026 semester, I have chosen to study abroad in León, Spain. When I first had interest in studying abroad, I had a meeting with Mrs. Haulmark, and we discussed the location options for studying abroad. While they all seemed interesting, I decided the program in Spain would be the best fit for me. The program lasts about 3 months and will allow me to be fully immersed in the culture while making it back in time for graduation.
I have a mixture of nerves and excitement about leaving home and campus. I have never been out of the country, so I am very excited for the opportunity to explore Europe and experience other cultures. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am very grateful for. At the same time, I am a little nervous to travel abroad since it is something I have not done before. The thing that I will miss the most while I am away is my family.
As I go into this journey, I will bring an attitude and mindset of respect. I understand that I will encounter people with different cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives than my own. If I keep respect as a core value, it will help me listen and learn when I am challenged by different viewpoints than what I am used to.
I expect the academic program in Spain to be different than what I am accustomed to, including more independent learning and responsibilities as students. Since I have never taken a foreign language class, I expect the work to be challenging but I also hope to gain a great understanding of the Spanish language. I am excited to see what the learning environment is like and to challenge myself in the classroom.
I expect Spain to be very rich in history and culture, with historic buildings such as cathedrals. I believe that people there have a slower pace of life and unique traditions. I plan to engage with the host culture by exploring the city, participating in community activities, and interacting with locals in León.
I am most looking forward to traveling around Spain and other countries in Europe. Experiencing new cultures and seeing unique places will help me gain a broader perspective of the world. I am also excited to immerse myself in the Spanish culture to improve my language skills and connect with people of different backgrounds.
I am most nervous about the language barrier since I do not speak any Spanish yet and will begin to learn it when I attend classes in Spain. Despite this, I am determined that the full immersion in the culture will allow me to pick it up quickly. Overall, I am very excited for this experience and the memories I will make along the way.
