Page 89 - Future Leaders 2018-2019

When you are exposed
to a whole new way of
living, you find that your
understanding of people
and society increases.

fellow students, who, apparently in
awe of the fact that I voluntarily moved
abroad, often say things like “How did
you do it?” or “I could never”.
I have realised that this is the
mindset of many students. I believe
most of these beliefs centre around
fear and lack of knowledge. Fear of
being seemingly alone in a foreign
country and lack of knowledge of the
wide amount of support available
for students abroad, both from your
university and the government.
Regarding fear, I know that this
is particularly prevalent within the
black community, as travelling alone
is probably not something most of
us grew up thinking we would do.
Furthermore, the stories you hear of
how black tourists have been treated
overseas can be intimidating and
disheartening. From my experience,
most of the ‘special treatment’ was
prolonged stares, and was largely based
on ignorance as opposed to actual
“Wish you were here!” hatred. However, I chose to view this
in Barcelona from a different perspective. Many of
these people are ignorant because their
exposure to black people has been
very limited. Therefore, why can’t I,
or any other young, educated, Afro-
Caribbean person living abroad, be the
positive example they need to show
them that black people exist beyond the
Montreal and a semester in Barcelona. when I moved abroad was definitely stereotype they have created?
I developed in so many ways during this a culture shock, but it was extremely The opportunities around the world
year: how to adapt to new situations and necessary. When you are exposed to are more accessible than ever. A lot
ways of learning, function in a society a whole new way of living, you find of us probably underestimate the
where I didn’t speak the language, that your understanding of people and likelihood that we will be required to
communicate and build relationships society increases. I found that this move abroad in the future, for example
with people from countries I knew significantly amplified my future goals a life-changing career opportunity that
nothing about, be independent and and ambitions, as it made me realise happens to be overseas. Undertaking
proactive with protecting my own just how many opportunities there a study or work abroad year whilst at
wellbeing... the list goes on. are out there. university could be potentially the
Growing up as a black girl in London, Speaking to people about my practice run you need. Besides that,
I was very much settled in this bubble of experience, both potential employers the experience is undeniably character
a diverse society, where I have a similar and my peers, I often find that they building and beneficial in many ways.
way of living to the people around me. are both impressed and intrigued. The Don’t limit yourself by letting fear get
Breaking away from this familiarity reactions that stand out most are from the better of you.

10 ANNIVERSARY EDITION FUTURE LEADERS 89
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