Howdy! I’m a senior in college at Texas A&M University. I’ve always been curious about people, their stories, and what shapes the way we see the world. That curiosity has led me to explore a little bit of everything throughout college, from journalism and student publications to human resources, research, mentoring, and studying abroad.
The summer of 2025 was the first time I ever took an international flight, traveling 7,000 miles from my home in Houston to Seoul, South Korea. While there, I saw the famous Lock Heart Bridge and the SKY Tower. From Seoul, I traveled to Tokyo, Japan, where I visited the beautiful beach town of Enoshima. This year, I traveled to Panama, where I had the chance to see the lush greenery and experience the rural parts of the country.
Each trip has given me a new perspective and reminded me just how much there is to discover outside of what I already know. Traveling abroad has allowed me to expand my horizons, not only in what I see, but in what I experience and understand about the world. As a part-time history buff, learning about different cultures and seeing how people live, celebrate, eat, work, and connect brings me so much joy.
Now, I’m taking that curiosity with me to Thailand. This fall, I’ll be studying abroad at Mahidol University, where I’m excited to experience life in a new country while continuing to learn both inside and outside the classroom. I’m especially looking forward to trying new foods, exploring different parts of Thailand, meeting people from different backgrounds, and learning about Thai culture beyond what I could ever learn from a textbook.
I’m also excited to share my experiences along the way. Through Reach the World, I’ll be writing weekly feature articles about my time in Thailand, giving others a chance to experience the journey with me through my stories. I hope to capture not just the big adventures, but also the moments that make traveling somewhere new so special.
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by visiting www.gilmanscholarship.org.
