"After living in DC my whole life, when I brought up the opportunity of studying abroad to my parents, I was initially met with disapproval. But I was able to convince them! I was away from my family for the first time in my life. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. I experienced new cultures, met new people, and learned to speak a foreign language. It gave me the opportunity for self-growth and the chance to make my own mistakes and learn from them. Most importantly, I learned to be independent and self-reliant."