This experience affected me in so many profound and life-changing avenues. As a soon-to-be medical school applicant, I have gained an entirely new view of medicine. And not only medicine, but of global issues and policies. United States Capitalism is toted as the survival of the fittest, and those of lower income may "easily" work to become successful. Americans seem to live and die by this ideal, the American Dream. Yet as we face increasing poverty and the realization that we are no longer #1 in many aspects, is this dream still alive?
"Socialism" and lower quality of care is often linked to universal healthcare in the minds of Americans. How different the term truly means when executed correctly as they have done in much of Europe. Nothing struck me quite as much as the German's lack of medical bankruptcy. Students were not faced with enormous debt to struggle with for the remainder of their lives. When I hear others speaking about the evils of universal healthcare I no longer robotically agree. I am able to prove the success of such programs with the knowledge I gained while in Germany. The reaction people have to the notion of free college has been quite comical.
My time abroad also served as a reminder of the beauty of humanity. The world is a vast and expansive place, yet all those who inhabit it are wonderfully connected. Born and raised in Texas, it becomes quite easy to neglect the thought of any other cultures and ways of life. However, seeing the size of weiner schnitzel, I can honestly say not everything is bigger in Texas. Nor is the oversized truck the only acceptable means of transportation.
Not only did this journey change my global perspective, it also ignited a need to see more; to travel, to learn, to explore, and to experience all this world has to offer. I am simply too comfortable in my little Texas bubble, and now that I have ventured outside of it I see the value of being uncomfortable.
Adjusting to life without world-class museums and public transportation at my fingertips proved to be more challenging than I anticipated. Without a moment to truly reflect on my experience, the Spring term began and I was instantly hit with reality. The daily classwork, organization meetings, hours in the library, and nights without sleep greeted me once again. In the bustle of day to day activities, I would at times remember how I had spent the past month. Exploring parts of the world many can only dream of, I was given the greatest opportunity and now it was all over. The excitement and anticipation leading to the trip lasted months, yet the realization that it was truly over occurred in one gut-wrenching moment.
The trip may have ended, yet the memories and friendships certainly haven't. Let's face it, when you spend a month with others you either get along with them or succumb to misery. I was extremely nervous not knowing a soul before flying across the Atlantic, but little did I know the group I would be traveling with would include such funny, brilliant, and caring people. And never did I think these strangers would continue to support me even after we stepped foot back on American soil. Yet that's exactly what happened, and I am thankful we manage to stay in touch despite our hectic schedules. Our own catchphrases (shut "unspecified city" down, that's what she said, etc.) live on in the US and I hope we can all continue to be close.
Sitting in microbiology on an ordinary Thursday, I first heard of this opportunity via an excited and eager Dr. Wasser. Sure, traveling to Europe would be exciting, but I never imagined I would be able to study abroad or that I would be so greatly affected. As I sit here recounting the numerous lessons and friendships I have encountered, I believe I made one of the best decisions of my life on that ordinary Thursday.
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