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Through Studying Abroad, I Learned … "It's never too late to start something new. I now look at my life goals without being so hard on myself and have realized that I am more independent than I thought. It taught me that anything is possible and I look at this time in my life as the beginning of many more great experiences to come." – Nsikan Akpan "It is crucial to enjoy every second of your life and work toward your goals, hoping one day to succeed and make your family proud. You cannot enjoy life without a purpose." – Michael Suber "Opening up and talking to the people around you can widen your views on the world around you!" – Jon Koh "Traveling can bring you knowledge of history and culture, along with lifelong memories of exploring a country, making friends, celebrating culture, and learning to speak a different language. Those who fought in WWII were not just soldiers, but heroes from a wide range of races and backgrounds." – Pooja Singh "As a young person, it is imperative that I take every opportunity to learn about the world, different cultures, and different views. We all have wants, dreams, and life goals. The world has a lot to offer, and before I studied abroad, I took that for granted." – Casey Ross Putting My Own Two Feet on the Grounds I Have Learned About A Journal from Connor Delaney I wanted to do something different for spring break this year. When I learned that one of my favorite professors, Frederick Campbell, was taking a group of students on a 10-day program in France to tour the battlegrounds of World War II, I could think of no better way to spend my time off. Our experience started with a crash course on the history of World War II in the weeks prior to our departure. Having this perspective as we walked through the battlegrounds and graveyards of Normandy, hearing personal stories of soldiers who fought in the war, was so valuable. We stayed in the town of Bayeux, and got to see the famous Bayeux Tapestry. This gigantic cloth shows the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England, through the Battle of Hastings, all in elaborate, artistic form. We also spent a day in Arromanches, where we got to take a harbor tour and explore some interesting and valuable historical exhibits on the beach. The final days of our program were spent in Paris, starting with a visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. It was clear that the French are very proud and serious about remembering it and giving others the opportunity to remember. We toured the French War History Museum and got to see Napoleon's Tomb. Those who know a bit about Napoleon have heard that he had a big ego. This was absolutely evident in the way his tomb is presented; it's positioned in a way that you have to either look up or bow down to see it, depending on where you are standing. It was interesting to witness this with my own eyes, and experience what I had read so much about in the past. I was also glad that we had time to visit some of the more traditional and popular tourist attractions during our stay. We went to the top of the Eiffel Tower and took a scenic riverboat cruise through Paris, which gave us a nice balance. Having the opportunity to learn about history through touring these historical areas and seeing artifacts with my own eyes was amazing. There is something priceless about being able to learn and enjoy at the same time. Fall 2015 | Pathways 11