Just like that, three years flew by. I still cannot believe that I am the girl who was chosen to study in the locations of my wildest dreams.
In just three years, I studied in Washington, D.C., visited New York City through GWU, studied at one of the top universities in Singapore, surfed in Australia while studying law at the University of Sydney, and skied down the slopes of Switzerland while taking classes I love at the University of Zurich. Along the way, I also had the privilege of serving as an ambassador for The George Washington University.
When I stepped away from the rush of everything and looked back at the memories I created, I realized something simple but powerful: I can truly say that I have lived.
In Singapore, I battled intense self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I often questioned whether I deserved to be there at all. But through conversations with people from different countries, I realized something surprising: many of them had felt the exact same way.
In Australia, I met one of my closest friends, someone who shared how he had once struggled with social anxiety. Through our conversations, he showed me what it meant to open up, connect with people without fear, and let myself be seen as I truly was.
When I cried on the slopes of Switzerland after falling again and again, I honestly expected to be left behind. Instead, something surprising happened. People waited for me. They cheered me on. Strangers helped me back onto my feet almost every time I fell. In that moment, I realized that even in a place where I felt completely out of my depth, people still chose kindness.
Every place in the world has its contrasts. There are parts that are glamorized and parts that are overlooked. There are people who are welcoming and people who are dismissive. No place is perfect. But through it all, I learned to stay grounded in who I am and keep moving forward.
I also realized that the world is vast and different, yet deeply similar at the same time. We often think we are different from others, but our lives parallel each other in more ways than we realize. No matter where we come from, we all experience moments of doubt and wonder whether we are good enough.
I remember the first time I went skiing. I cried out of frustration. I felt like I was behind everyone else because many people had been skiing since childhood. I kept comparing myself to them and wondering if I even belonged there.
But through my tears, I realized something. Even if that was true, I was still standing on the same slopes as them. If we all ended up on the same mountain, then I must be capable too in my own way. And if I kept practicing, there was no reason I would not improve.
People come from different backgrounds. Some start earlier and some have more experience, but that does not make anyone less deserving of being there. Sometimes the only difference is who keeps going.
Studying across different continents made me realize something important: I truly am that girl, and no matter what I face, I have the grit to overcome it.
There is not just one path to success. Sometimes one door closes, but another opens if you are willing to keep searching. The people who are truly meant to be in your life will appear when you are authentic to yourself and willing to put yourself out there, no matter how scary it feels.
Growth happens when you take that leap of faith. When you risk failure, fall, and try again anyway. Studying abroad did not just show me the world. It showed me who I am. Wherever I go next, I know I will have the courage to keep going.
I am endlessly grateful to GWU for providing me with these opportunities and global experiences. I am thankful for the support, scholarships, and people who helped make these experiences possible.
Thank you, GWU. I promise to make you proud one day.
Emily Huang
Spring 2026 – GW Exchange - University of Zurich
Fall 2025 – GW Exchange - University of Sydney
Spring 2025 – GW Global Bachelor's Program - Asia-Pacific Semester
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs & Business Double Major
The Global Bachelor’s Program