Aero: Brent Roberts – France 2018 – Epilogue

Posted by LEAF Architect on Sunday, September 16, 2018 · Leave a Comment

Aero: Brent Roberts – France 2018 – Epilogue

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Brent Roberts

My trip to France was an incredible experience. It didn’t change me as much as it reinforced knowledge and viewpoints which I already possessed. This trip bolstered my travel experience. It also fortified my views on the world and being part of it. Most importantly, it helped me get a deeper understanding of my goals and where I stand in relation to them.

I have traveled all over the U.S multiple times. I have experience with using all sorts of public transportation as well as taking long drives. This experience was useful in France; however, it did little to prepare me for certain aspects. The language barrier was the most daunting aspect of traveling. Finding ways around this and being able to overcome it was one of my most useful experiences. Aside from the language barrier, getting used to the differences in public transportation provided a lesser, yet still important experience.

I’ve always preferred to view myself as part of the world as a whole. It’s something which I’ve felt separated me from those around me. My mother, for example, would always talk about small local news stories. Meanwhile I’d be more interested in talking about news such as disasters in other countries and global relations. I’ve also always felt culturally separated. Although, I understand I’ve been heavily influenced by American culture, I’ve never thought of other cultures and their traditions as weird. Being in another country reinforced this idea. I can clearly comprehend a wall between those around me in America and the workings of other cultures. Many ignore these other cultural workings and some full-on reject them as being significant. However, while the trip made me realize this line that separates America from other countries, it also helped me understand that I appreciate certain aspects of America.

My trip to France also help me understand where I stand in relation to my goals in life. Being that my goal is to become an English teacher and apply that to traveling the world, this trip was in direct relation with what I want. It solidified this goal by helping me apply the primary aspect of it. I can say with further certainty now that this is truly what I want to do with my life. The whole experience felt very natural to me.

I approached my travels in France with confidence and little doubt. What I came out of it with was a heavy reassurance that my efforts are not misplaced. Although I appreciate what America has to offer, what I really want is to see more of the world. It’s so much larger than America, and many of those around me fail to realize or accept this. I know for certainty now that I can continue pursuing my goals with confidence that they are true to what I want.

Brent Roberts
Study Abroad – France 2018 @ FLCC

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