NACE COMPETENCIES

1. Technology: Developing a blog throughout my trip has taught me countless skills. I now know how to create a website, and even had fun while doing so! I look forward to expanding upon this site in the future. Technology was also heavily involved in my trip experience through the use of a camera. I was able to take photographs of all my favorite memories, many of which can be found on this website!
2. Leadership: This trip improved my leadership abilities greatly. I booked hotels for large groups of people and coordinated with them concerning activities throughout the month. I also frequently would guide my friends around the city, which improved my navigational abilities as well.
3. Equity and Inclusion: The city itself has modeled what equity and inclusion within society should look like. Public transportation has accomodations for those with disabilities, and the public largely will give up their seats when an elderly or pregnant person boards the tram or metro. This everyday kindness is something we should all model in our day to day lives.
4. Communication: This was one of the most challenging aspects of the trip. My Spanish is not very advanced. Ordering, asking for directions, and other times were not always simple. Sometimes communication was with gestures or translation, and that is okay! If an effort is made, communication can and will happen in some form. But the most important lesson I learned is to make an effort. Learn at least the most basic Catalan and Spanish phrases, and it will make locals feel more comfortable.
5. Professionalism: I learned to be professional when representing my class, school, and country in different cultural activities. In general, Spanish society is much more formal. You should be a bit quieter in public spaces than you would be in the USA. I took care to adapt to this culture, and treat people with politeness.
6. Career and Self-Development: I want a future in the Political Science field. In particular, I would love to work in diplomacy in some form. Diplomacy is all about understanding another culture or place. Psychology of Art was often about understanding what an artist would like to communicate. That is why I feel this class will greatly benefit my future career!
7. Critical Thinking: Navigating a new city often requires great deals of critical thinking. There are new signs, and unfamiliar language you must learn. The subway system for example, was quite hard for me to understand at first. But with help from friends, I quickly could make my way across the city in no time.
8. Teamwork: There was a great deal of planning that goes into traveling. You must communicate with all parties, and work together as much as possible to create an itinerary that will make everyone happy.

Action Plan:

I will continue to practice Spanish over the next few years. The foundation this trip has given me in the language is not something that I want to fall away over time. Being bilingual is an asset in almost any job I might one day have, especially as a Florida resident. I will also take care to hold myself in a more positive light in public. In Spain, you try to dress nice and look neat every day, which I now think is important. I will also continue to prioritize teamwork, as this trip has taught me the value of working together to solve problems. This trip has also taught me that sometimes, you have to step up and be a leader, even if it doesn't come natural to you at first.

This trip has renewed my confidence in my ability to do hard, sometimes uncomfortable, things. Most importantly, this trip abroad has broadened my global perspective, and taken me out of my American shell. As someone who wishes to work with people from all around the world, I feel that I am now better prepared to do so. And maybe even potentially work abroad myself one day!