The World Beyond Our Eyes
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel only read one page.”
–Saint Augustine
Life is not just the passing of time. Life encompasses a collection of experiences. However, your life ebbs and flows, you can fill it with as many experiences as possible. Since I can remember, I have always had an eye for the intricate details of life. I have always been someone to notice the things that go unnoticed. As I have grown up I have realized that being able to experience this thing we call life is precious and should never be taken for granted. This has led me to have a natural curiosity and drive to venture into the unknown. With that said, I had no idea a career field specialized in such curiosity. Once I discovered what Cultural Anthropology was, I fell in love. I was finally able to conceptualize the passion I have felt for years. For those who are unfamiliar, Cultural Anthropology is a branch of Anthropology concerned with the study of human societies and cultures and their development. This has led me to choose Arcadia and my major, Cultural Anthropology. I was specifically interested in a school that offered Cultural Anthropology and strongly encouraged study abroad, Arcadia did just that.
I believe that exploration is the heart of the human spirit. To thrive in life you must expose yourself to a world beyond your eyes. Exploring the world is the best way to explore your mind. It allows you to discover what lies inside of you and find the threads that connect us to one another. That is why I have a passion for traveling and documenting the world, for all to see. Humans are one of the most beautiful pieces of art. More specifically, humans and the elements that are a part of their culture are worth discovering. Traveling the world has many benefits, two of the most important are broadening your horizons and redefining your meaning of life. Through travel, you can open your eyes to things you have never considered before. You can discover what humanity looks like beyond your own experiences and upbringing. Throughout life you may have been told assumptions about various cultures however, you will never discover the truth unless you seek it for yourself. When you are exposed to differing walks of life, you gain empathy and understanding. Traveling forces you to step outside of your comfort zone, causing you to improve your ability to take in the perspective of others. It allows you to reevaluate your priorities and values leading to a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life. When you travel you experience new things and embark on new adventures, helping you develop a deeper appreciation for your own culture. This allows you to gain new perspectives on the values and traditions that are important to you. Most importantly travel grants you the opportunity to pay your experiences forward. It turns you into a storyteller, allowing you to share your experience, while sparking curiosity in someone else. I look forward to studying abroad in London, England next semester and I can’t wait to share my experience with you.
