By Alexander Hasapis
As I searched for an institution to attend in 2014, I knew I was searching for a college that championed international study, and even encouraged it. This is how I landed on Allegheny College which became a stepping stone that took me to Lancaster University in England, from where I write to you today..
Last semester, it was an odd feeling to know I would not return to Allegheny’s campus for nine months, but also a feeling of excitement as I embarked upon a journey to study internationally. I tried not to have many expectations when coming to Lancaster because I knew most expectations would probably be incorrect and hold me back from immersing myself in what this new place had in store for me.
Over the course of my experience since January 9, I have met many people from countries across the globe. My peers and I have compared our lives, laughed at the different stereotypes each of our countries have, and tried to adapt to the culture here while also holding on to our own identities. Through these experiences, I have further solidified that even though so much land and water separate us, we have loads in common. We each have a thirst to learn about our world from one another and find commonalities that allow us to lead interconnected lives that result in peace rather than division.
It would be very remiss of me if I did not take the opportunity to recognize those who have gotten me to this point−the donors who continually give towards scholarships at Allegheny College, the administration that works hard to ensure these opportunities are open to us, and, of course, my parents for the never ending support. It is with each of these people’s guidance that I am able to learn from others and expand my education to include an international perspective.
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