Looking ahead

"Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world." - Gustave Flaubert

It is easy to get caught up in the singular perspective of our everyday lives. From a morning commute to a day in the office followed by a few hours of class, we often get caught up in the busy nature of our individual routines and fail to take a step back to see the bigger picture.

I occupy a small place in the world of New York City and Fordham University. Through this trip, my hope is that I broaden the lens through which I go through day to day life. Visiting the beautiful city of Kraków will enable me to see a part of the world I've never experienced - a world that is very different from my own, which will broaden my thinking and knowledge about the world around me.

I am excited to foster a more global perspective by interacting with students and business professionals in Poland. I look forward to getting a glimpse in their everyday lives, and speaking to them about their experiences and perspectives. With technology and media infiltrating our lives, the world becomes smaller and more connected. It is becoming more important than ever to take a macro perspective and make connections between cultures, economies, businesses and people. Given the fact that I'm a communications professional and student, it will be interesting to explore the similarities and differences in our lives, and I look forward to delving into and learning from the differences.

I am also genuinely excited to experience a culture so different from my own - from the food, to the traditions, to classroom settings and local businesses. I am excited to climb through a salt mine, witness the Catholic traditions of the Polish culture and sit in a classroom so far from those I occupy week after week.

My goal for my week in Kraków is to take in every moment - from the exciting events of the jam packed itinerary to just observing the routines of a foreign city, which together will enrich my perspective of my tiny spot in the world.