Discovery

I am applying to help teach a classroom of underprivileged students in New York City through an organization called Reach the World while I am studying abroad in Italy. Through my travels and experiences, I will post journals, pictures and videos that the students will read and watch. The teacher will base assignments off of my postings and from my experiences abroad, the students will hopefully broaden their horizons and feel inspired to pursue their dreams ( I really hope I am offered this opportunity!). In my application I was asked to write about one of my favorite travel experiences and I wanted to share it with you all.

I traveled outside of the U.S. for the first time when I was 16 years old. I went on a tour of Italy with my high school choir singing at many ancient churches and masses. One of the cities we visited on our 10 day tour was Venice. Riding on the ferry to this magical floating city, I was immediately hypnotized by the romantic history of this miracle city built on water! I anxiously roamed the maze of streets in Venice trying to memorize every smell, sound and color of the atmosphere. I felt stones of the buildings that told so many stories in there changing hues and listened to the melody of the Italian language flying through the air. After wandering for a while through a small winding cobblestone street, suddenly it left its narrow ways and opened up into the vast arena of St. Mark's Square. I abruptly halted my steps and gasped in shear amazement of this exquisite surprise. Never in my life have I been so astounded by the scene of the quaint to the extraordinary. The golden decor of St. Mark's Cathedral glistened with the sun behind it, as the pigeons flocked amongst the sun rays. It was at that moment I fell in love with joy of discovery. It was the most beautiful scene I had ever encountered and still cherish to this day.

This is precisely why I am studying abroad.