Since one of the biggest issues about traveling abroad is the expense, anyone that is given the privilege of obtaining a scholarship is definitely blessed. After receiving notice that I would receive the Fenz Scholarship, I notified the school that I would definitely be joining the summer tour and so began the beginning of the rest of my life. Thanks to the Fenz Scholarship, another young college student’s dreams were answered and the trip of a life time would soon begin. There were so many different unique and unusual things that I experienced on my trip, I hardly know where to begin.

While in France I visited the Catacombs which were probably the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, since I knew very little about them until our visit. I felt a little overwhelmed while in France, as I know very little French and realized how vulnerable you feel when you can’t communicate with those around you. I remember suddenly wishing that I had taken a French class or two, while in high school or college.

I have never been one to enjoy driving in a bus or car and looking out the windows at the scenery but, while driving through the Swiss Alps, I became overwhelmed by its beauty. I can’t think of anything that compares to its beauty. While in Italy & Greece I swam in the sea for the first time ever. At first, I wasn’t going to do it because of the salt, but I decided that I might not ever get the opportunity again. Now that I’m home, I’m so glad I did it.

My favorite thing about Italy was definitely the Gondola ride. I had always seen couples riding on the Gondolas in Hollywood movies, but to actually get the chance to do it myself was amazing. Greece was like looking at a fantastically colored oil painting with its white beaches, clear blue waters, beautiful homes and hotels and who could resist those fabulous Greek Salads.

Trisha (left) and friends on a gondala ride, Venice

It is truly my hope, that every American Student will get the chance to explore that big old world that lies out there calling, “Come see what I have to offer.” The most surprising thing that I discovered during this trip, was the fact that the people in Europe seem to be less focused on material items and are always looking to make new friends. I always felt comfortable, safe and at home during my visit. The experience was probably the most eye-opening, exciting, educational experience I will ever have the honor of participating in.

While I have many people and things to thank for the unique opportunities that I gained during this wild ride called European Study Abroad, the ones that are foremost in my mind are my parents, all those that gave me odd jobs to help me raise money & the Fenz Scholarship. Without a collaboration of all of these people and organizations, I never would have been allotted the chance to look the Mona Lisa directly in the eye or experience the history of Check Point Charlie or climb the Eiffel Tower and look out over the City of Paris’ night sky. In short, I feel blessed to have experienced all of the wonder, beauty, history and joy that I experienced on this trip of a lifetime.

Whether I’m 30 years old or 85, the memories will remain in my minds eye. I truly believe that education can help us become our true selves and point us in a direction where we can make a difference in the world. Sometimes, when I’m in bed and the lights are out, I imagine the Rhine River Valley and the unbelievable quaintness that it possesses, and I feel a comfort come over me that makes me feel that the world is right where it should be. I wish to thank the Emanuel Fenz Cultural History Tour Scholarship Board for choosing me as a Scholarship recipient. It was a true honor to represent Eastern Michigan University during my Study Abroad tour. The Professors & my fellow travel mates were truly amazing.

As one final note, I am currently living in Kansas City, Missouri and two of my tour mates flew in and spent a long weekend with me. I am truly blessed to have met them and hope that our friendship will be life long. Thank you again for allowing me to experience something that will help me mold my future. Why are Study Abroad Scholarships important? How can future generations be expected to make a difference in the world, if they haven’t had the opportunities to experience it, taste it, touch it and live it?

Sincerely,

Trisha Carris