Study Abroad Spotlight by Kendall Cripe

This past semester I had the opportunity to study abroad in Barcelona, which I heard about from my sister and friend, Elizabeth Andrews. She told me about all of her amazing adventures, and I knew this program would be a perfect fit. My only fear was that I would miss out on studying abroad with my sisters as many of them had already studied abroad together this past summer. The Barcelona Fall Study Abroad Program only has around 40 students, so I was worried I would not know anyone.

However, this past spring, at the first informational meeting, my worries quickly subsided after I spotted two other girls in my member class, Espy and Leela. I immediately knew it didn’t matter if I didn’t know anyone because I now had two girls I trusted and could have fun exploring Europe with. After the meeting, we requested to live together in the student apartments, and it was the best decision we could have ever made! All the time spent studying for Multivariable Calculus and Organic Chemistry or cooking meals in the apartment would not have been the same if it weren’t for Espy and Leela being by my side.

Not only did we have the best time rooming together, but we also made so many incredible memories traveling throughout Europe. Whether we were doing homework in the airport or walking through European streets in the rain, we made the most out of every single moment. When I began to miss the United States, I never felt homesick because I had my sisters, who are a little part of home, with me. From Ireland to Italy, every single day I spent with Espy and Leela was unforgettable, and I am so grateful to Alpha Xi for introducing me to the women who transformed my entire study abroad experience.

<3 Kendall