Denmark: Kaela Groppel
Program: DIS- Study Abroad in Scandinavia, Summer
Kaela’s Major: Biochemistry and Psychology Major
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
On one of the last nights of the program, all the American Students on my floor and myself cooked a meal for the local residents. The weeks of bonding culminated in a meal symbolizing the endless connection and memories we each made with the people of Denmark. As we ate pasta, we reminisced about the late nights out, jumping into the cold canals, and all the mispronounced Danish words we learned. The night could have lasted forever.
I learned how important it is for me to hear other’s pasts, presents, and future so that I may feel at home, and can find a home within others.
What is the moment you are most proud of?
I am most proud of my volunteer experiences. While in Denmark, I became involved with a volunteer organization called “You People”. The organization provided meals and a safe place to sleep from 7am-noon every day of the week for the homeless population. I volunteered weekly while abroad, and formed many connections with the homeless population who regularly attended. While navigating language barriers, I offered as much comfort and companionship to these people as I could. Using my healthcare experience, I additionally helped with bandaging wounds and other issues with the people. I am proud of the time spent learning new cultures and understanding the different experiences each person carries with them.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I learned I love to hear other people’s stories. To know a life completely different than your own is to create new found understanding and intimacy in connections between people and society. I learned how important it is for me to hear others pasts, presents, and future so that I may feel at home, and can find a home within others.