Going on exchange with Global Summers Academy to earn my Grade 12 English credit completely changed the way I see travel. Before the program, I thought vacations were mostly about sightseeing and taking pictures. But during my time abroad, I realized that what you bring home can be just as meaningful as where you go. Souvenirs are more than just objects. They are reminders of who you were in the moment you bought them and how much you have grown. If you’re going on a GSA program, here are the best things to buy on a vacation, plus a few specific ideas from my favorite places like Greece, London and Costa Rica.

First, the best souvenirs are the ones that can connect directly to your experience. Instead of buying something generic at the airport, look for items that reflect the culture, traditions or the daily life of the place you are visiting. Locally made products are always the best choice. They tend to be more authentic and meaningful, and you are supporting local businesses at the same time! When you return home and see that item you bought in your room, it won’t only remind you of your summer abroad, but it will take your mind back to the specific market you walked through and the conversations you had there.

Personally, one of my favorite things to buy on vacation is decorative license plates with the name of the city on them, as well as some postcards. Everytime I visit a new place, I try to find a license plate that represents that city and add it to my collection. When I arrive back home, I hang them on my wall, which slowly turns my room into a visual map of all the places I have been, and the memories I have made. I also like buying postcards because they are inexpensive, easy to pack and usually feature beautiful photos or artworks from the destination. Instead of sending these postcards, I also hang them up as decoration. These are both easy ways of keeping the beautiful memories of your time abroad visible everyday, and it makes my room feel like a collage of all of my amazing travel opportunities.

Another great thing to buy while abroad is something practical that you might actually use. Clothing, tote bags, mugs, or journals can all become part of your everyday life. When I was completing my English credit abroad, I found that physical reminders of my surroundings helped me to write more vividly. Even after returning home, still wearing a shirt from the program or drinking from a mug you bought at a local cafe, can bring back memories instantly. The key is choosing something that fits into your natural routines rather than something that will remain untouched and taking up shelf space.

If you are visiting Greece, consider buying olive oil, handmade ceramics or jewelry inspired by ancient Greek designs. Greece is known for its high quality olive oil, and I remember when I came home with a small bottle for my parents, they were so grateful for something so authentic and practical. Little ceramics featuring the classic blue and white Greek patterns reflect the iconic architecture and landscapes. These types of souvenirs connect directly to the history and beauty of the country you are in.

In London, classic souvenirs often have a cultural twist. Items like teas from a local store, a Big Ben themed accessory or a little red double decker bus all make meaningful keepsakes. London has such a rich literary history, so buying a novel or a simple notebook from a local store feels very fitting, especially if you are earning your English credit there. Everytime you open that book, or go to take notes in that notebook, you’ll remember walking through the city streets hearing a mix of accents and cultures around you.

In Costa Rica, purchases I made were locally grown coffee, handmade bracelets and items featuring the phrase “Pura Vida”. Coffee is deeply connected to the country’s economy and culture, making it another practical and symbolic souvenir. Handmade jewelry from local markets reflects the creativity of artisans, while “Pura Vida” branded clothing or accessories represent the laid back, positive lifestyle Costa Rica is known for.

Overall, the best things to buy on your summer abroad aren’t the most expensive or trendy items. They are pieces that hold meaning to you. While you are on your Global Summers Academy program, choose souvenirs that reflect the culture, your own personal growth, and the memories you want to carry forward. Long after the summer ends, those thoughtful purchases will help you to relive the experiences again, and again.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Georgia W. for writing this blog post!

My average day during a GSA program in Europe starts at 7 a.m. to the sound of my alarm.

After I open my eyes and turn off my alarm, I start getting ready for the day.  After a week or two getting used to the format of the program, I can get ready quickly and do all of the essentials to be ready for breakfast by 7:30. After me and my roommate(s) discuss what we are going to wear for the day, we head down to breakfast. At breakfast, I say hi to all of the GSA staff on my program, and stop by my teachers table, where they remind me that class starts in one hour. I grab all of my favourite hotel breakfast staples, and sit down at a big table with my friends. We chat about what our coursework looks like for the day, and we plan what outfits we should wear to dinner. After I am satisfied with my breakfast, I briefly head back upstairs to grab my school work, computer, and all the essentials that I need for a day of exploring the city. I always make sure to remember to pack my water bottle and sunscreen, even though my Program Manager(s) always reminds me everyday. When everyone on my program meets in the lobby, our Program Manager(s) tell us what to expect for the day. We split off into our classes, and then our teacher gives us a metro pass and we start off the day’s  adventure. After a quick hop on the metro, we arrive at our first destination of the day. We ease into class with a brief history and geography lesson from our teacher, and we walk for a few minutes to the next destination. Here is where my teacher tells us the work that needs to get done for today, and they let us find a quiet cafe to work in. Me and my group of four split off and begin to explore our options, until we settled down in a cafe not too far from where we started. Drink in hand and computer fully charged, I’m ready to start working. I work for a few hours, meeting the expectation for the day right in time to pack up and meet back with my teacher so they can send us off to lunch. Me and my friends explore some more, and find a shop to buy our lunch. Lunch usually consists of local cuisine, with staple desserts. After a fulfilling lunch, we head back to our residence, drop off my stuff, and relax for 15 minutes before it is time to meet back in the lobby for the afternoon portion of the day. I freshen up, and then I head down to the lobby. The afternoon is dedicated to a group activity, adventure, or learning experience. Whether it’s a museum visit, a walking tour of the city, or a trip down to the beach, I always look forward to learning something new about where I’m located. These walking trips last a couple of hours, so by the time I return to the hotel, I am ready for a shower. Thankfully our days are planned accordingly and I have anywhere from an hour to 2.5 hours to shower, relax, and get ready for dinner and the evening. The restaurant we eat at for dinner is always changing, so where we’re going and what’s on the menu is always new and surprising! After a short commute to the restaurant, I sat down with my friends. We recap the day and plan what we should do after dinner. After three courses of dinner I am fueled up and ready for more adventure. Me and my friends pass around the sign out sheet, making sure to stick to groups of four or more. We are dismissed and we set off on foot to find the best dessert the city has to offer. We skip, sing, jump, and even practice our language skills with each other. We somehow manage to stumble upon the best desert place across the entire city, and we sit down and grab a bite. Once we are finished, we begin to make our way back to the hotel. We get back, sign in, say goodnight to each other, and head up to our rooms. I wait for room checks, say goodnight to the staff, and have a nightly debrief with my roommate(s). I get ready for bed and get excited to do it all over again tomorrow!

Thanks to Student Ambassador Nora D. for this blog post!

My teachers were some of the most wonderful and understanding people I have ever come across in life. I would say that I got lucky, however, after two summers traveling the world with Global Summers Academy, I can see that every teacher working on the program is equally as kind and knowledgeable as the ones that made me first fall in love with the program.

My English teacher was one of the kindest, funniest, well rounded teachers I had ever met and I was one of the lucky few who got to experience her joy in every class. She would have us do and talk about things no other teacher would have dared to express and opened my eyes to the power I may hold as a literary-minded individual. Because we were reading Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, our teacher would analyze our dreams and force us to put ourselves in the position of the characters by connecting it to our real lives, and pose the question of “what is the worst thing you’ve ever done for love?”. She had everyone in our class answer her question, even answering it herself and her answer was shocking and hilarious though something we swore not to repeat so it will remain anonymous for now. Class felt like a massive friendship circle everyday and I would wake up overjoyed and ready to see what she had in store for that day’s class, something that would rarely happen at home as I would have usually much rather stayed in bed. Our teacher truly made us all believe in ourselves, pushing us to our limits, keeping us in check all while making us feel so special. During the essay portion of the course, I came up with a theory about the text we were reading, which I had thought was “stupid” and “overdone” at the time. When I had brought the theory, my teacher’s face completely lit up and she explained to me how she had never thought of that theory before and how proud she was of me for pushing past my limits. My teacher made the program more special than I could have imagined and reignited the passion I have for writing, for which I am ever so grateful.

My second summer of Global Summers Academy, my English teacher was equally as strong minded and warm as the year prior. We got to learn about our books by connecting them to different forms of Greek Mythology (as we were in Greece). We even had pool-side classes with swim breaks!

Global Summers is so unique because our teachers are so versatile, they are our mentors, our friends, and our guides. They didn’t just help you to understand their course, they understood you. It is so unique to have people as wonderful as GSA teachers helping you learn and grow through this crazy adventure, but I couldn’t be any more grateful for mine.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Gwyneth D. for writing this blog post!

Last summer, I had the opportunity to travel abroad, an experience I had been looking forward to for months. I imagined a smooth and exciting month filled with cultural exploration and memorable moments. However, several challenges I faced were not caused by bad luck, but by avoidable mistakes I made. Looking back, I realize that better preparation and responsibility could have significantly improved my experience. 

One of my biggest mistakes was failing to do enough research before leaving. I assumed I could easily figure out transportation systems, important locations, and local customs once I arrived. Instead, I often felt confused and wasted valuable time trying to navigate unfamiliar transit routes. I also missed certain attractions simply because I had not properly planned my schedule. If I had reviewed maps, checked schedules, and learned more about the area beforehand, I would have saved time and reduced stress. I learned that preparation is essential for making the most of a summer abroad. 

Another avoidable mistake was poor budgeting. I created only a rough estimate of my expenses instead of a detailed financial plan. At the beginning of the program, I spent more than I should have on restaurants and souvenirs because I assumed I could adjust later. When unexpected expenses came up, such as higher entrance fees or transportation costs, I felt anxious about my remaining funds. A clear daily spending limit and a small emergency reserve would have prevented this problem. This experience taught me that financial discipline is just as important during travel as it is at home. 

Time management was also a weakness. I tried to schedule too many activities each day because I wanted to see as much as possible. As a result, I became physically tired and mentally overwhelmed. Instead of fully appreciating each location, I rushed through important sites without taking time to reflect. Travel should be about meaningful experiences rather than simply completing a list of destinations. A more balanced schedule with proper rest would have allowed me to enjoy the trip more deeply. 

Most importantly, I learned that school work must come first. As a student, my primary responsibility is my education. Before travelling, I did not organize my assignments or plan ahead for upcoming deadlines. I assumed I would have time to catch up afterward, but this created unnecessary stress when I returned home. In the future, I will make sure that all major school tasks are completed or properly scheduled before travelling so that my academic performance is not affected. 

Overall, the mistakes I made were preventable, but they taught me valuable lessons. I now understand that preparation, financial control, balanced scheduling, and academic responsibility are essential for a successful month away. By learning from these errors, I can approach future travels with greater maturity and better decision making.

Thank you to Student Ambassador George G. for writing this blog post!

If you are considering whether or not to participate in the optional excursions Global Summers Academy has to offer then have no fear, I’m here to help! Let’s go through some info on the excursions and my personal experiences with them to explain why you should sign up for excursions!

To begin with, let me refresh you on the details of what the excursions are. Global Summers Academy summer travel programs include a list of optional excursions you can sign up for. For a minor extra fee (how much depends on each excursion), you get to go to additional locations not covered by the main program during days off from the educational portion. Please note that while some excursions come with a lunch, others do not, and you will have to purchase your own lunch. Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what my experience was and why you should sign up too!

What excursions are available changes based on what program you are signed up for, and the excursion options also change from year to year. Last summer I was on a European program. I participated in the excursions to Pompeii, the Krka Waterfalls, Sailing in Greece, and Mykonos. I enjoyed all of the excursions immensely.

The Pompeii day trip allowed us to see a fascinating piece of history. To give you an idea of how interesting it was, I have more than 70 photos that I took that day. As a self-professed history nerd, I was a big fan, but even if I wasn’t, it was a really beautiful place, and the whole group had a great time. We not only got to see the actual site but also a nearby museum with numerous relics and paintings, which I loved.

The Krka Waterfalls were also great, especially if you enjoy nature hikes, and there was some great food in the area too. The waterfalls were beautiful, and the trees and wildlife were a delight, but there was also a historical blacksmith’s forge in the area that was wonderful to check out.

Sailing was also awesome as we got to enjoy the crystal-blue water and even swam in it, which was fun. I’m not the biggest fan of water, but I did enjoy this one. There’s nothing like feeling the wind and sun in your face as you move across the beautiful waters of Greece with some nice music playing and a good friend by your side.

Finally, there was the Mykonos day trip. We walked through a beautiful city with incredible architecture and wonderful weather. I bought some nice souvenirs for my family there, and I had some great chicken gyros and ice cream with my friends. It was honestly incredible to see, and I am extremely glad I participated.

Now that I’ve explained my own experiences with the excursions, I should explain why you ought to sign up for some. First of all, you can be certain the other people on the program will be doing them. On my program, everyone signed up for the Pompeii and Sailing excursions. I recommend reaching out to the other people going on your program in advance for several reasons, such as meeting them in advance and discussing what you are packing and which excursions they are going on. You don’t want to miss out on what everyone else is experiencing. Second of all, they’re just really, really fun. I had an amazing time with every excursion I went on, and you should have the same great time. Finally, they are a great opportunity to get photos and souvenirs. Memories are important, and this is a great way to preserve your experiences. I can’t stress enough how great the excursions are. They are, in my opinion, one of the best parts of the program and a great opportunity for bonding and memory-making with the friends you made.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Griffin B. for writing this blog post!

My experience with Global Summers Academy played a defining role in helping me decide what I want to study in post-secondary education. Global Summers Academy is an educational program that allows students to earn high school credits while travelling abroad. Through this opportunity, I earned my Grade 12 English credit with the Costa Rica July Program. While I initially joined the program for the chance to travel, meet new people, and earn a credit in a unique way, the experience became much more than that. Ultimately, my experience with the program did not only help me discover a passion for travel but also guided me in choosing to pursue a career in education in post-secondary school.

One of the most influential aspects of choosing to pursue education is owed to the teachers and coordinators who brought positivity and support throughout the program. Specifically, each staff member went above and beyond simply teaching course content and took a genuine interest in each student’s growth, both academically and personally. For instance, teachers who were not my own offered help wherever they could and encouraged me to not only come to them with issues but also updates on how they could make the program more enjoyable for me. Throughout the summer, their encouragement and guidance created a positive learning environment where I felt supported and motivated. I took advantage of the opportunity to speak with many of the teachers and coordinators about the educational paths they took to become educators, and their openness and willingness to share advice made a lasting impression on me. These conversations were extremely impactful in influencing not only what I want to study but also where I want to study. Hearing about their journeys reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in education, and I am now confident that this is the career for me. Overall, the support I received during my time in Costa Rica with GSA inspired me to pursue a future in education, as I hope to make as much of an impact on future students as the GSA staff has for me.

During my time with Global Summers, the program showed me a unique side to education that changed my perspective of what a classroom should look like. A unique but super beneficial advantage of studying with GSA is the flexibility of the classroom. As a result of factors such as small class sizes and the well-organized scheduling of the curriculum, I was exposed to a way of teaching that I would not have received in a regular high school setting. This exposure enlightened my perspective and inspired me; learning does not have to be limited to desks in a classroom. Instead, education should be about meaningful experiences that connect students to the world around them. Learning alongside peers in a collaborative setting, engaging with new cultures, and being guided by educators who encourage a positive environment demonstrate how different learning can look based on the environment students surround themselves in. This realization inspires me to be a part of a system that can have a beneficial influence on students. All in all, my exposure to a new way of learning broadened my perspective on a deeper meaning of education, encouraging me to pursue a career that can help students excel beyond typical school norms.

In conclusion, after learning and travelling with Global Summers Academy, I am confident about my choice to pursue a career in education. Through this program, I received guidance from dedicated educators and was exposed to an engaging and beneficial learning environment. Consequently, I gained a deeper understanding of the impact education can have beyond traditional classroom settings. GSA allowed me to reflect on the kind of educator I hope to become; a teacher who supports students individually, encourages growth, and creates meaningful learning experiences. As I move forward into post-secondary education, I am confident in my decision to pursue a career in education and motivated to create the same sense of support, inspiration, and possibility that defined my experience with Global Summers Academy.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Trystan R. for writing this blog!

The first time I saw my Global Summers Academy group was at Pearson Airport, but the first time we really came together was at the Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal. We gathered together as a class for the first time after baggage claim, and went on to have our first History lesson in the warm shade, sprawled around a statue between the Lisbon streets. It was almost hypnotizing to be immersed in so much excitement and eagerness to learn, something that felt refreshing, or almost revitalizing to me. We were getting inspired. Our early course material prompted us to reflect on our lives and share about ourselves, and I found myself resurfacing old memories to a group of people I hadn’t met even 36 hours ago. I associate Lisbon with the blooming and beauty of new connections. We learned to keep track of one another in the sprawling heat, pick lunch spots to go to during class break, and help each other up the steep, stony streets of Lisbon.

From then on, I learned that anywhere can be a classroom. We’d learn by the poolside, on a hotel rooftop, or at a local cafe, totally immersing ourselves in the unique surroundings and culture of each city. If we were near the water, like in Majorca, we’d have beach breaks between classes. If we were  downtown, like Madrid, we would take advantage of the cool shops and attractions. And if we were travelling between locations, we would use that time to catch up on assignments and fit in some extra studying, which is what we did on the ferry to Barcelona. All of these opportunities didn’t take away from our education, they enhanced it. For me, it never felt so easy and natural to learn. I found student-teacher communication so accessible and supportive. There was an intimate and dynamic learning environment rich with opportunities to ask questions and figure out what learning method works best.

Benefits like this also expanded past the classrooms. The time I would spend with my classmates extended out of lesson time and allowed me to form such deep connections, and I met people that I might not have had the opportunity to due to catchment areas and long distance. We would bond over assignments and help each other with challenges when we could, which made schoolwork come and go so comfortably. Not only were the class sizes small, but the learning environment felt intimate and intriguing. This is a learning environment I have yet to see paralleled elsewhere, and one that I am incredibly grateful to have experienced.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Abigail M. for writing this blog post!

Meeting people from around the world during my GSA program in Greece and Italy taught me a lot about myself, my values, and the way I connect with others. Being exposed to unfamiliar cultures pushed me outside my comfort zone and allowed me to grow. Through these interactions, I became noticeably more confident and outgoing, especially when approaching people I had never met before. I also felt a strong sense of pride in being Canadian, as people were consistently warm, welcoming, and curious about where I was from. This openness made it easier for me to initiate conversations and approach people with confidence.

One of the most meaningful lessons I learned was how much I value listening to others’ stories. I realized that I genuinely enjoy learning about new people and hearing about their lives, even when their experiences are difficult or painful. Listening to these stories reminded me that everyone struggles in one way or another, often in ways that are invisible at first glance. Exposing myself to these harsh realities helped me become more grounded and compassionate by encouraging me to recognize my own privilege and develop empathy for others. I learned that growth comes from acknowledging others’ struggles, demonstrating understanding, and providing a safe environment where they feel comfortable to share. A moment that stayed with me throughout the program was meeting a mother and son who owned a small outdoor fruit market. Although they did not have much money, they were the happiest people I met. They greeted my friends and me with genuine smiles and asked us questions about our lives. We had such warm and open conversations and my friends and I made an effort to stop by their market every day during lunch because seeing them became a meaningful part of our day. These interactions showed me that happiness is not defined by wealth, but by human connection, kindness, and gratitude. Despite the language barrier, we were able to communicate through patience, gestures, and effort, which helped me become a better listener. Instead of feeling frustrated, I focused on understanding them as clearly as possible, strengthening my ability to listen with empathy and care. This lesson became even more evident one evening when I was studying for my Advanced Functions test at a cafe in our hotel. After hours of studying, the servers noticed my work and brought me a free drink as a kind gesture. The four of us began talking using Google Translate. Although communication was difficult at times, we laughed through the misunderstandings and bonded over our shared curiosity about one another. I shared stories about my school life in Canada, while they spoke about their university experiences, jobs, and families. This moment taught me how easily people can form meaningful connections through openness and kindness, even without a shared language.

Overall, meeting people from different cultures taught me that true understanding comes from listening with patience and empathy. This experience will influence how I approach future classrooms and new environments by making me a more confident communicator and a more attentive listener. It showed me that it is possible to form meaningful connections despite cultures, languages, and background differences.

Thanks to Student Ambassador Eden G. for writing this blog!

On the Grand Tour of Europe, you really get to experience all kinds of weather. Some things I packed were lifesavers, some would’ve been useful, and a few I didn’t need at all. Even though you might think Europe is always sunny, it does rain sometimes. Having a small, packable raincoat made those rainy days way easier and also worked as an extra layer on the cooler nights in Switzerland. My water bottle was another must-have, it was small, easy to open, and had a handle, so carrying water around was super convenient. Refilling it at the hotel before heading out guaranteed fresh water and saved me from buying bottles everywhere. I also seriously underestimated how much walking we’d do, so comfortable shoes were a lifesaver on long hikes and city tours. On days when we didn’t have time to go back to the hotel, my running shoes kept my feet comfortable and safe, even after walking all day. For clothes, I brought just a few pairs of shorts and pants and switched up my shirts each day. Having a mix of dressy, casual, and tank tops made packing between cities way easier. Finally, I’m super thankful I brought things to do on the bus. You’d think the views would be enough, but 4–6 hours is a long time. I had a journal, coloring books, and some books to read, which kept me busy and also helped me reflect on my program and write down memories I’ll look back on later.

There were also times I wished I had packed a few more things. On the first night in Barcelona, friends I’d met on the plane had an UNO game ready to play. That made me realize I should’ve brought cards or games to play with others between activities or after dinner. When it comes to shoes, I wish I’d packed more universal options, plain black and white shoes that could match anything. Even though my friends were happy to share, having my own would’ve been way easier. I also wished I had brought more casual clothes. I only had a few, but a couple more would’ve made mornings simpler and helped with extra excursions. Longer clothes were easy to throw on and covered knees for churches, which was perfect. Even though I didn’t have everything, I managed fine, and with clothing stores everywhere, I could grab what I needed if I wanted.

I also packed a lot of stuff I honestly didn’t need. I packed seven pairs of shoes. Most of them just sat in my suitcase, taking up space and weighing me down. I also brought way too many toiletries. I mean, I didn’t even use half of them, and by the end, I realized I could’ve just packed the basics and been fine. Europe has many different types of stores with all types of toiletries. My advice would be to buy the majority of your stuff over there. I brought a ton of clothes and had some outfits I never even wore, and a lot of times I just wore the same things over and over because they were easiest to mix and match. Packing lighter would’ve made moving between cities so much easier, and honestly, it would’ve made my bag feel way less like a nightmare to carry around. Lesson learned: you really don’t need to overpack, and it’s better to have space for souvenirs or last-minute stuff you pick up along the way.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Alivia M. for writing this blog!

I can’t even begin to describe how important it is to stay organized and stress-free while travelling and learning at the same time. At first, it can feel overwhelming trying to balance schoolwork with being in a new environment, but with the right habits, it becomes part of the experience rather than a challenge. I realized early on that staying organized wasn’t about being perfect but about creating small routines that made everything feel more manageable. Things like keeping track of assignments, planning out my time, and staying on top of my responsibilities allowed me to fully enjoy where I was without constantly feeling behind or stressed.

One of the most helpful strategies I used was creating a simple daily plan. Whether it was writing things down in a notebook or keeping notes on my phone, having a clear idea of what needed to get done each day made a huge difference. Even during busy travel days, I would set aside a small amount of time to review what I had learned or prepare for any upcoming assignments. This helped me stay on top of my assignments without feeling overwhelmed. It also gave me a sense of control, especially when everything else around me was new and constantly changing.

Another important factor in staying stress-free was not overloading myself. While it can be tempting to try to do everything, explore every place, and go out every night, I learned that balance is key. There were moments where I chose to take a break, rest, or simply enjoy a calm night in the hotel. This actually helped me be more productive later on. By giving myself time to recharge, I was able to stay focused and enjoy every moment, which made both travelling and learning more enjoyable.

Staying organized also meant keeping my stuff in order. Whether it was notes or photos, having everything in one place saved me from unnecessary stress. It made it easier to find what I needed quickly and kept me from falling behind. Even simple habits, like organizing files or keeping track of deadlines, made a big difference in how smoothly everything went throughout the experience.

Finally, maintaining a positive mindset played a huge role in staying stress-free. Things don’t always go exactly as planned when you’re travelling, and that’s okay. Delays, changes, and unexpected challenges are all part of the experience. Instead of letting these moments create stress, I learned to adapt and stay flexible. This mindset allowed me to focus on what I was gaining rather than what wasn’t going perfectly. It made the entire experience feel more rewarding and less overwhelming.

Overall, staying organized and stress-free while learning and travelling is about finding what works for you and sticking to it. Small habits, a balanced mindset, and the ability to adapt can turn what seems stressful into something incredibly enjoyable. By staying on top of responsibilities while still allowing yourself to fully experience your surroundings, it becomes clear that it is possible to succeed academically while also making the most of every moment along the way.

Thank you to Student Ambassador Amelia W. for writing this blog!