But wait -- there was still more to do! I needed to save up money, and I also applied for a scholarship to help cover expenses. Out of hundreds of international students, I won the scholarship contest and received extra funding for my travels. I also worked over the summer, all while taking summer classes, to save up for this trip. It took a lot of work to get here. Now that I reflect on it, I’m so thankful I put in that effort.
As the Spring semester comes to a close, it’s hard to wrap my mind around the fact that my time in Spain is ending. You guys, I have seen so much that I’ve never seen before, and I truly feel like a new and improved version of Ronni. It’s amazing how much this stay and this opportunity granted through hard work, dedication, the support of the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program and my family back home has changed me. I’m excited to return to the United States and bring back all the new thoughts, ideas and perspectives I’ve gained. That’s what exploring does! Always be ready for a safe exploration or adventure. You never know what’s waiting for you on the other side. You know how explorers sometimes find gold? Well, on this journey, the gold has been me becoming a better person: meeting lifelong friends, growing in my art, learning how to think and care for myself as a young adult, building so much gratitude, and -- last but not least -- talking to Ms. Matzner’s amazing third and fourth-grade class throughout my stay!
I’ve seen so many incredible places, from Montserrat to the Sagrada Família to the Dalí Museum, but speaking with Ms. Matzner and her class was truly one of the highlights of my trip. You all brought me so much joy and kept me grounded; I'm so thankful for that.
