I would like to begin this letter by thanking the Office of Financial Aid for supporting my study abroad experience in Spain and Sicily through the Forest Akers Endowed Scholarship. I am a first-generation college student from a low-income background, and a study abroad opportunity was once so out of reach for me. I was able to step into a new world, literally and figuratively, and it has made a significant impact on my future because of your kindness! This experience transformed my academic pursuits. I had coursework in nutrition, and I took years of Spanish and was looking to become fluent. Rather than studying from a textbook, I was able to learn overseas in Sicily and Spain!

We stayed primarily in Malaga and Madrid in Spain, and in Ortigia in Sicily, Italy. All three places were absolutely beautiful, and I cannot believe that I was able to live there for almost a month! Our hotels were glorious, and we were within walking distance of the best sites and beaches! Some sites we went to include in our program were Citrus Farm Finca Juanito Orange, Bodega Dona Felisa, Quesaria Lopex Arquero, Mt. Etna, Neapolis Archaeological Park, Rhonda, Toledo, Modica, and Nepeta. Every single site visit we went to was gorgeous and we took the best pictures! I am so grateful that I was able to experience this first-hand. I had never traveled out of the country before this program; I got my first passport just to travel to Spain.

It is pretty safe to say that this was the best first trip to Europe EVER!

Personally, my time abroad helped me be more confident, flexible, and independent. I had to get through each day in multiple cities where English was not the primary language and I was outside of my comfort zone. My Spanish improved with daily interactions, and I learned a bit of conversational Italian. Communicating in a non-English setting taught me the importance of patience, humility, and listening, which are all tools that I will carry with me in life. Living and learning about Spanish and Sicilian cultures helped to develop my worldview. I admired their culture of community, leisure, and respect for history. I expected some cultural barriers, but instead, I was met with a common humanity, kindness, and curiosity. One myth I can address is that studying abroad is only for students who have money! It is for anyone willing to engage openly and learn.

I hope my story is inspiring to other students, especially if they share similar characteristics that have traditionally been underrepresented in study abroad. If you are a first-gen student, or overcoming financial barriers, this is your perspective, and you have a dream too, that can be realized! I am proof of this.

To all the donors and staff who made this possible: Thank you for believing in students like me. Your financial support did not just contribute to having an experience, it created future opportunities, empowered a first-gen student to expand her globe, and instilled in me learning across borders.

Name: Rachael Sentowski
Status: Junior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Belleville, Michigan
Program: Global Food Systems and Health in Italy and Spain