Decisions, Decisons, Decisions

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Ana Hernandez

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Ana Hernandez

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> Buongiorno! <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> Santa Barbara City College <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2023 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Rome, Italy <i>Program provider:</i> Santa Barbara City College <i>Major/minor:</i> Early Childhood Education <i>Demographics:</i> Community College, Hispanic/Latinx, First-Generation College Student <i>Future career aspirations:</i> Find a way to provide early childhood education opportunities and education in places where there is none in the U.S. and abroad. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> Observe the highly successful early childhood programs, such as; Reggio Emilia and Montessori in their country of origin. Observe cultural differences in early childhood, families and children, in town, on the street, on the buses, in the restaurants. Immerse myself in a culture different than my own to create more awareness and a deeper understanding of myself and the children and families I will work with as an Early Childhood Education Educator. Enjoy the food, arts, music, culture and people of Rome, Italy.

I am currently in the midst of midterm essays and exams both written and oral. So much work, but then comes the release of Spring Break! I am so excited for spring break! I have put together a trip to Seville and Paris. I am so excited that I can hardly contain myself.

I feel so free it is incredible! I decided when I created this trip for myself that I would experience all I can and that is what I am doing. It’s hard to believe that I created this, let alone the fact that it is real and I am experiencing it! The world is such a beautiful place to explore. It is amazing to see the similarities in ourselves with others around the world; what was they are we and we are me. Meeting people of different cultures and languages is so amazing and eye opening.

This experience has and continues to be a turning point in my life. After years of raising children and taking care of my parents, and full time work and sometimes night jobs and weekend jobs, I can finally experience life to its fullest doing what I love best! Learning, interning work with children, experiencing culture, cuisine and art, and most importantly experiencing myself in all of this!