Brandon Beck

I have seen the building in the image, which I took myself, and the spectacular surrounding country twice. While this may just seem an image of an ancient building, it holds the story of travel. This is the Pantheon in Rome, Italy; it holds the scene of one of my last memories when I was abroad. I remember sitting and talking and eating ice cream's Italian cousin, gelato, in the pleasant Roman nighttime. For me, my experiences in Europe can reflect and reveal the person I am.

Like me, the experience was foreign; I was born in another country, but have lived in Georgia for what I consider my whole life. The thought of travel, just like every novel experience I encounter, filled me with mixed feelings- excitement and anxiety being the most prominent as the date of departure approached. While this is how I felt internally, externally I did not show much emotion, for that is who I am.

My European adventures would not have been possible if I had not been so involved in learning Latin. I am an introvert, so it takes me time to open up to people and be more comfortable, but being involved in the Latin program (in fact I am still learning Latin) allowed me to meet new people and experience new things.

Do not go to Europe if walking for several hours a day is not enjoyable. Although tired and sore feet accompanied the end of each day, I enjoyed all the places my feet carried me. In 2013, there was Florence, Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento, and Rome. In 2015, there was Barcelona, Nice, and a return to Florence and Rome. All of these places made me realize a great multitude of things. I enjoy walking, sightseeing, learning, seeing new people and cultures, walking in historical places older than the nation I call home, experiencing new food (one of my favorite activities), and making memories. In the future, I hope to travel and learn more from one of the best teachers- life experience.