Freshman originally Petoskey Michigan, now Elsah, Illinois, USA
Major: Undeclared (interested in Biology)
What intrigues/excites you about the Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina program?
- I’m excited to get to know the countries of Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina through its people. In history classes through the years, it has felt hard to empathize with those who experienced an event, so I am eager to talk with locals and gain insights.
Where do you most look forward to visiting during our program?
- There are so many! If I had to choose, I would currently say the city of Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina, because one of the books that we’ve read about its time under siege was very impactful.
What has been the most meaningful idea you’ve discovered or learned about the idea of shifting borders so far?
- I’ve come to understand the idea of shifting borders as not just borders of a country, but the borders of one’s mindset, bias, or morals. The borders are not necessarily physical.
What do you hope to either learn yourself or share with others about world literature (based on what you know so far)?
- In class we’ve discussed how world literature can be “windows to the world.” I’m excited to see how the “windows” that we’ve looked through reflect real life events and places.
For me, the SloCroBoH Abroad is an opportunity to learn about and understand people and cultures outside of those familiar to me.
Fun Fact: One of my favorite dinosaurs is the Parasaurolophus because it uses the crest on its head to vibrate and make noise.