4: Advice (Thomas)

 Howdy!

I believe that my pre-departure self thought that I would stick out like a sour thumb in Europe. I was definetly nervous as I had never come across the Atlantic before, but I was very confident in myself. I do not think that over the course of my trip that any of my core values were challenged or changed, but I do think that my perspective on some things shifted. 

I had always been told about the European public transportation system, but after experiencing it first hand, my opinion on it has softened. I think that an American ICE equivalent would be helpful to people in more ways than one, but I fear that an American public transportation system consisting of metros, and trolleys is too far gone given our current cities development status. 

In terms of advice, I would tell myself to not be afraid to talk to people. Whether it’s a bar or on the street, the misconception that Germans are brash and rude hindered me from great conversation early on. Additionally, I would tell myself to call home more often. I feel that I got lonely and more disconnected from home because I failed to call home early on in the trip. 

Best, Thanks, and Gig ‘Em,

Thomas Carroll ‘26

4: Advice (Michelle Estrada)

 Looking back on my "hero's journey" during my time in Germany since I came back to the United States has been fun. I think it will take time for me to fully digest all the lessons and history I learned during the program, but already I feel like I've come back better and stronger for it. 

    One word of advice I'd give to my past self would be to have trust in the process. Trust that I can always figure things out even when it feels like nothing is going right. When the Deutsche Bahn was late, the countless times I got lost, losing connection on my phone, not understanding a word on the menu when I was at a restaurant. All these things and more were anxiety inducing every time, but in the end I always figured them out. I constantly beat myself up for not getting the hang of things right away, which is impossible to do as someone navigating a foreign country for the first time. I would tell my past self, "prepare to be humbled."

    I definitely feel like I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities. I thought back to when, as a freshman, I was too scared to even take the Aggie buses to get to different parts of campus but now I was getting on a train to Paris, a plane to Barcelona, and figuring out the public transportation of different European countries-- many times by myself. It may not seem like a super impressive feat but my younger self would flip out if she knew. 

    I think that during this program I really learned to live in the moment and appreciate the things I did and the places I went to. I was very busy and stressed many times, sure, but I simultaneously got to make some amazing memories while having the time of my life. The majority of people in my immediate and extended family haven't had the opportunity to travel, and it wasn't exactly something I thought I'd get to do for myself, at least not while I was in college. Now that I've done it and seen that it is possible, I feel like the there's so many places and experiences waiting for me out in the world. Now that I've gotten a taste for what it's like, I want to keep doing it-- hopefully next time with less MCAT and med school applications getting in the way!

4: Advice (Jemima Borrego-Garza)

 Howdy!

      When I first arrived, I carried a mindset that everything needed to go according to plan. I wanted to adapt quickly to the culture, perform well academically, and make the most of every opportunity. I thought success here meant staying busy and constantly moving forward. Over time, that perspective began to change. I started to realize that the most meaningful growth often happens when you slow down enough to notice it.

      During these six weeks, I have become more open to reflecting on my experiences and more willing to accept changes in life as they come. This reflection often happened in simple, everyday moments. On the train rides to class, I would sit by the window and watch the city slowly wake up. I would notice people heading to work, students with backpacks, and the rhythm of the streets passing by. These moments gave me space to think about what I had learned so far and how I was changing. Visiting museums gave me a similar feeling. Surrounded by centuries-old art and artifacts, I found myself reflecting on the lives and stories of people who had come before me. It made my own worries seem smaller and reminded me that life is always moving and changing.

      Through these moments, I learned to let go of the constant need to control every detail. I accepted that things would not always go as planned and that unexpected changes were not obstacles but opportunities. This shift made my experience richer and more enjoyable.

      If I could give my pre-departure self one piece of advice, it would be to enjoy the experience fully and stop worrying so much. The challenges that I expected to be overwhelming often turned into moments of connection, learning, or self-discovery. This program taught me that growth comes not only from the major events but also from the quiet pauses in between, when you are present, listening, and open to whatever comes next.

4: Advice (Aidan)

 It is 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, one hour before this blog post is due, and I have just arrived home from the airport. I would love to go to bed, but this has to get done. I think I have noticed an increase in my confidence in talking to my fellow Aggies. Coming into this trip, I had one semester at A&M under my belt, and I really had not put myself out there as much as I should have in my first semester. I think this trip has given me the skills and the confidence to feel more comfortable putting myself out there with more people at A&M this coming fall semester. 

If I could go back in time and talk to myself before this trip, I would have told myself that there will be moments on this trip you will wish you were back in the States; however, once you are back, you will want nothing else than to be back in Germany, so take advantage of every moment. There were times when I was tired and wanted to sleep, but I wished I had found the energy to rally and join a group at James Joyce. This was a fantastic group of students, and I can't wait to see all of y'all back in College Station. 

4: Advice (Kendall)

    Over the course of this program, I have noticed that I have gotten more comfortable navigating unfamiliar situations. At first, I was worried about communicating with my host family and navigating daily life in a new environment. Learning how to do both of those things made me realize that it was easier than expected. It was fun to have conversations where both my host family and I were learning so much from each other. I realized that I also became more confident navigating the places I traveled. These experiences made me realize that not all unfamiliar situations are difficult or scary.

    I would tell my then-self not to overthink too much before starting the trip because most people are very helpful and welcoming. I wish I had known that I would love my host family. I was nervous that it would feel uncomfortable to live in a stranger's house, but they were always going out of their way to make me feel comfortable or have conversations with me. I also wish I knew how close I would become with the other students in the class. I was worried that I didn't know anyone when the class started, but I actually made so many friends over the course of the trip.

4: Advice (Samantha Fehlis)

I don’t feel like I’ve noticed huge changes in myself over the course of the program, but some small things are a little different. I am more open to risk. After rushing around public transport and being very concerned about getting lost or stranded at first, by the end of the trip I felt much more willing to just get on a bus and figure it out. I have also noticed since getting back to the US that I went into my shell a bit while in public in Europe. Not being able to interact with society due to a language barrier made me used to minimal interactions in public. I went to target yesterday and even just chatting with the cashier about the weather felt jarring. 

If I was to give advice to myself 6 weeks ago I would tell myself to relax. I am not generally a relaxed person anyway, but traveling and stress makes it worse. I think I would have enjoyed parts of the trip more if I would have been more comfortable going with the flow. To be fair, however, that is advice I would give myself for most parts of my life not just this journey. 

Blog 4: Advice! (Abby Burgett)

 Howdy!

It's hard to believe this highly anticipated trip has come to an end. Getting on the plane earlier today, it felt as if just yesterday I was stepping on the jet bridge in a brand new country surrounded by strangers and a very foreign language. One mistake at a time I started to get my bearings in this new continent. It was easier to take the train in the wrong direction, walk 5 miles to the beach in order to not pay for transportation, or wake up early after going to bed late when I was by myself because I had only myself to blame. However, traveling and adventuring with everyone from this study abroad was truly amazing. Being with y'all when we missed another train after the DB failed us yet again, getting through days with little sleep from the night before, hiking miles of stairs, preparing for our final exam, and sharing many of bathrooms. Having friends to laugh with through these times made them even better, and I am so thankful we were able to rebound through all the uncomfortable situations we endured.

Through this past month and a half I have truly been able to enjoy everyone's unique differences. Whether it was a stranger I meet in a hostel, the waiter from a nice dinner, or even y'all. Although we all came together, from the same school, we obviously are all very different people with different backgrounds. It has been such an eye opening opportunity to form these tight-knit relationships with a group of students I otherwise would have likely not gotten the chance to know. Advice for my previous self: don't let differences scare you away from getting to know someone. So often I feel we quickly judge people based on the way they choose to present themselves to the public. However, through these past weeks I have learned how easy it is to get along with people who come from all different backgrounds, with all different opinions on life, and even speaking all different languages. I have truly found pure joy in getting the opportunity to connect and respect all different kinds of people.  

Landing in the United States this afternoon I was ecstatic, gleaming with tears in my eyes. I have had the desire to travel for a long time, and I had previous thought of myself as someone who could leave home for years at a time. During my wonderful time overseas, I have learned I might not be capable of this, at least not yet. Walking through the New York airport I noticed the police officers, the security agents, and the Starbucks baristas chatting, working, and laughing together. I realized this had become an unfamiliar sight to me over the past weeks. Taking a moment I appreciated the beauty in the loud, overly friendly American culture. Through my many wonderful experiences aboard, I have gained an appreciation for the country I come from and the familiarity of the places I get to call home.   

I have had so many laughs and now have so many stories I get to take home with me from this study abroad trip. I can't wait to see y'all again in College Station!

4: Advice: Payten Jackson

 Post-travel Advice

    The trip was even better than I imagined. As I mentioned in my pre-departure post, I wasn't expecting to be going abroad this summer, but here I am. I am currently back in my hometown after spending a few days in Europe. The different countries I visited were absolutely beautiful, and they had such deep history, but even better was spending time with the people on the trip. I could not have asked for a more fun group. Nordeney was probably one of my favorite places to visit; it was absolutely beautiful, and the first time the group started to fully bond. I am so grateful that I was able to go on this trip, and I hope it will be the beginning of my connection to Europe.

    Now for the advice to past me. When going into this trip, I felt like I mostly did not know what to expect. I was not an experienced traveler and honestly was just hoping for the best. For past me, I would say to just make small itineraries or notes along the way, of course, I will not be able to do everything, but it gets a good start to a trip. I would also advise myself to go with the flow; sometimes the most beautiful things are found when you're not truly looking. Traveling should not be just about checking stuff off a bucket list, but letting yourself be as free as possible. Some of my best experiences were found in places that I did not plan on going. Such as when I went to Ireland and we found this small beach with the most beautiful rocks and clear water. If we had just continued hiking up to the mountain, we would have missed that beautiful little experience. 

    

    When it comes to stereotyping, I feel like most people just stereotype the part of being from Texas. Most of their concerns or assumptions were valid, because I have some of the same ideas myself. The best course is not to immediately become defensive of where you're from because many of us just so happened to be born there. Germany and Texas are very different, and I truly enjoyed being somewhere that could open my worldview. I have never been someone who's extremely proud of being Texan or American because I was simply born here. I am sure I would feel the same if I were born anywhere else. Part of my feelings come from the history of this country and the history of most other developed countries, and I would rather be proud of my people than a piece of land. Germans and other Europeans were pleasant when it came to meeting someone from the United States, so do not be afraid!

    I learned so much on this trip from Dr. Weber and Dr. Wasser, and it would not have been the same without them. Thank you, Rike, for all that you did to make this trip amazing as well. This experience was unforgettable, and I cannot wait to set foot on foreign soil again. See you back in College Station.

Payten

4: Advice (Olivia Cotton)

Howdy!

    I cannot believe it's been 6 whole weeks since I left for Germany, and it feels so strange to be back so soon. Going abroad definitely taught me a lot of things about myself and they way that I interact with others, one of these being how I deal with change. I normally feel like big changes can really affect me and be hard, but after this program I realized that I am a lot more open to new experiences than I thought. I knew that I was kind of a more go with the flow personality, but realizing that this also applied to larger things was huge for me. I was worried that homesickness would be a thing for me from the change of living abroad, but instead I adapted and found a place in Germany that really felt at home. Before the program I was nervous about living with a host family, then went on to have the best experience ever with mine, where I hope to visit some time in the future. I guess I was a lot more open to the whole experience than I thought I was, or more extroverted at first meeting than initially thought.

    Advice I would give myself now would be to stay open to all new possibilities, and try things even if they seem hard or like something you wouldn't want to do. Knowing to soak in my time in Germany and with my host family would be great, so that I can enjoy that time to the fullest and understand it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity and experience. Maybe knowing it isn't as daunting as I originally thought would ease some of that nervousness I had at the start. 

    I'll always think fondly of my time in Bonn and the experiences I got to share, and know that I'll be telling those stories years down the line. I'm also excited to see how it shaped me and transformed me even further as an adult. But until I see you again, tschüss!

-Olivia :)

Blog 4: Advice (Nikash Kakarla)

Howdy! I can’t believe it’s been 6 weeks since we’ve started this journey time really does fly by! This trip has been an unforgettable time and I will always cherish every moment that I got to spend with my freinds! It’s crazy to look back now and see the difference between the old and new me. I can’t definitely say that I have become a lot more appreciative of the experiences I was able to go on and the recourses I had access too. I’ve also gotten to meet so many more people who are different than back in the states and it’s defiantly had me change the type of outview I have when meeting someone new. Besides that though I still feel very much the same and have felt like I am just more happier now as life goes on. 

Although it sounds like rainbows and sunshine’s for the whole trip, there were definitely some things I wish I had known before that may have helped me navigate through the trip a little better. The first piece of advise was to make sure I prioritize sleep and food. There were many many times that I did not prioritize sleeping and eating which lead to me being hangry or in a bad mood which may have not been the best but also just the general welfare of my health should’ve been number 1 thing to watch out for as getting sick was not fun. The 2nd piece of advice I would give is to always have an open mind to the people I meet as their normal my be different than my normal so its always best to see it through their eyes before judging. Overall, being able to be comfortable by yourself was also something that I was always familiar with but a small reminder here and there could’ve never hurt but besides that there isn’t too much more advice I would give as this trip was an absolute blast and I would say it was even perfect. 

It was amazing to be able to have such an amazing experience and through all the work and experiences I gained through this trip I hope that it can lead me to a brighter future and I really do hope to keep in touch with everyone I’ve meet on this trip as it’s definitely memories that have lasted a life time. All in all it was great to be able to be there and until next time I’ll see y’all later! Gig ‘em!

Blog 4: Advice (Anna Beth)

 Advice

    After my lovely feelings of jet lag, I feel that I have dreamed the past six weeks. From Bonn, to Nordeney, to Andernach, Luxembourg City, Dublin, Vienna, Köningswinter, to Berlin, I have to tell myself those places were real! I am grateful for this journey, and for the friends I got to share it with.

    I feel I have changed a bit in that I have a better grasp of no matter the obstacles in the way, or how long it will take, I will make it to my destination. It causes me to be more flexible and less neurotic about the circumstances of my travel and ultimately, my life. Over the course of the program, there has been instances of late trains (or no trains at all), confusion over cultural differences, and not the best homestay situation. However, I was always able to get home or to my target destination, manage to be kind and figure out what I or the other person needed, and to make the best out of my homestay by being there for dinner, cleaning up, and riding the horse! 

    I would give the younger Anna Beth some advice that the worry of making something perfect does not guarantee a perfect journey. I was so intense on making my Hero's Journey a perfect story of life-change and accomplishment that I could forget at times to have joy and be flexible in every and any situation. I would tell her to change her definition of relentlessness and grit in that it does not require an unwavering stubbornness, but rather a steadfast commitment paired with the flexibility to adapt and pivot when circumstances change.

    I am grateful to have shared these times with you! 

Blog 4: Advice (Caroline Readinger)

 Howdy

I have just gotten home from Germany, and boy, it flew by. In terms of changes in myself I have noticed through my time, I have learned to be more go with the flow. I don't know if this is a trait I would always use, but coming in I was very much a type A person, wanting to do everything as efficiently as possible. In Europe, however, there is almost no way to have everything run perfectly. The trains are going to be late, you may not have AC where you are staying, a dinner may cost more than expected, there will simply be bumps in the road. You have to learn to take those bumps in stride and not let them bother you. This is something that my the end I was very good at, but coming in if you would've told me that I was going to have to wait for trains to attach and extra car to an empty train I would be very upset. 

Next, if there is any advice I could tell my past self coming into this trip it would be take advantage of everything while you can. The time does pass quicker than you can imagine, and this experience is once in a lifetime. I did not realize how beautiful the relationships I was going to build on this trip would be, and I am so grateful to this study abroad for creating a little new A&M family!

Blog 4: Advice (Rebekah Bledsoe)

 Howdy! 

Yesterday was our last day of the program. We all said our goodbyes and went our own ways. Some people went back to America and some to other European countries. It is so surreal that this was the end of the program. I never thought the day would actually come that we would be forced to say goodbye to Germany and all the people in it. 

I think I have changed in many ways throughout this program. From an academic standpoint, I have gained vastly more knowledge on the history of Germany and medicine as a whole. The content we learned has helped build my foundation in medicine and deepen my understanding of medicine as a whole. But beyond the purely academic side, I have seen changes in my confidence and abilities. I have noticed that I am not as nervous to do things on my own in a new country. I have gained confidence in my abilities to travel around new areas (especially with public transportation). These are things that I know I will bring back to America and will change my everyday life. 

If I could give any advice to the me that wrote my first blog post, I would say to embrace the new fully. Take every opportunity to learn. Take risks and be bold. Don't be afraid to ask questions, people want to help you. Do everything, even when you don't feel like it. All of these things will help you to get the most out of this trip, but honestly the rest of your life too. These helped me learn about Germany, myself, and those around me in a way I have never done before. 

A piece of advice I wish I had before coming on this trip would be don't be afraid to ask strangers questions, especially on the trains. Coming into this trip, I had the idea that all Europeans hated Americans and that I would just be an inconvenience for them. While, I definitely came across some grouchy people, majority of them were happy to help me navigate the new culture. In fact, a lot of the people I encountered thought it was cool to meet a "real-life American." Europeans are not as scary as we make them out to be. 

This was an experience that I will never forget. I will take the things I have learned from this trip and use them for the rest of my life. I feel very blessed to have been able to participate in such a wonderful trip with such wonderful people. I truly could not have asked for a better trip. Thank you to all who made this trip unforgettable. 

Thanks & Gig'em, 

Rebekah Bledsoe

Blog 4: Advice!! (Victoria Gomez)

 Howdy 

    Oh my word has it actually been six weeks?! I guess time truly does fly when you are having fun. I am currently in the airport writing this and for some reason it is just so surreal. I never thought the day of me departing from my study abroad would ever arrive. I will forever be in mourning of this era and period of my life with strangers who would become family. 

    Over the course of this program I have witnesssed multiple changes within myself. The biggest one would be a fluctuation of my self confidence in my abilities to navigate the world. Upon entering Europe for the first time I knew everything would be so foreign. I had prepared for this kind of exposure from the culture, people, food, language, and straight up navigating where to go. As I learned this new setting around me I felt like I was also learning more about myself like: What I felt comfortable with. What I did not feel comfortable with. What I enjoyed eating and what I did not. I felt as I progressed in my walk with the program I also progressed within the walk within myself. This reminded me greatly of the very first lecture we had from Dr. Wasser about the Hero's Journey. I am more than blessed to have been able to embark on this journey of self discovery.

    Advice I would give to myself would be go into everything witha. positive attitude. I would also tell myself to participate in every single thing even if I did not feel like it. I would put an extreme emphasis on making the most out of every situation and every experience. In advance I would like for my past self to know not to pack so much. Unfortunately when A&M said to bring double the amount of money and half of what we think we should oacj they were not kidding.

    Ultimately, what I gained from this trip is not tangible nor conveyable. The friends and memories I made are some that I intend to carry for the rest of my life. I am beyond greatful for the experience and the people that made the program. To be surrounded by a cocktail or different personailites and various perspectives was so beautiful and stimulating. I loved this trip. I love the people. And I hate to say it but I love Bonn Germany.

Thanks & gig'em,

Victoria Gomez

4: Advice (Ali Latham)

Howdy! 

I still cannot believe it has been six weeks since I wrote my pre-departure blog post. So much has happened in that span of time and it feels like life times ago when I was worried about what lie ahead. I wasn’t wrong about the excitement, the nerves, or the challenges—but I’ve now lived them in ways I couldn’t have predicted. Six weeks in, I can see that this program hasn’t just been about learning German or experiencing another culture—it’s been about learning how I react, adapt, and grow when I’m far from everything familiar.

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed in myself is my confidence in navigating the unknown. Before coming here, I worried a lot about language barriers, especially with my host siblings. And yes, there have been plenty of moments where my German vocabulary has failed me, but I’ve learned how much can be communicated through patience, gestures, laughter, and shared experiences. I also noticed a difference in my attitude towards unfortunate events like getting delayed, getting rained on, or sleeping 5 in a queen bed. I learned to not spend time worrying about things that I cannot control but focused on taking time to be thankful that there is always another train, always a towel to dry off and always worse sleeping situations. Each moment that was not planned ended up being my most favorite memories that I will cherish forever. 

If my now-self could give advice to my then-self, it would be this: Let go of the idea that you have to be perfectly prepared. The best moments come from the surprises and mistakes. Don’t underestimate yourself, you’re far more adaptable than you think, and your instincts will guide you. Lastly, Give yourself grace. Discomfort is not a sign you’re failing—it is a sign you’re growing.

I think my then-self would have loved to know that the relationships—especially with my host family—would become the highlight of this experience. I was nervous about connecting with the kids, but they’ve taught me as much about the German language and culture as any class could and I am really thankful for every moment with them. 

Lastly, I think my pre-departure self would have loved to know how close I would get with the others on the trip. Before I left, I was so worried about who I would click with and who I would travel with each free weekend, but I had nothing to worry about. The people on this trip became my family and I could not imagine all the experiences without them. I am so thankful for each of the other 14 students on this trip and am so grateful I got to experience Europe with them. 

What a wonderful trip! My heart is full! 

Ali 

Blog 4: Advice!

Go back and read your Blog 0 (pre-departure). It’s been at least 6 weeks and many, many experiences since you wrote that.

What changes have you noticed in yourself over the course of this program?

What advice does your now-self want to give your then-self?

Or, another perspective: What advice does your then-self wish s/he had had in advance of the program?

Blog due: Wednesday, August 13

Comments due: Saturday, August 16