Spain: Vanessa Leftwich (A Part of My Routine)

February 19, 2024

A Part of My Routine

People sit and stand on a dimly lit train platform, with a large green electronic sign displaying the time and destination of the upcoming train. — Picture of people waiting at Passeig de Gracia metro stop.

One place that is a part of my daily routine is taking the underground metro. There are different metro lines that you can use to access different zones within Catalonia, and I use the L4 connection line. It takes me from Selva de Mar (my first stop) to Urquinoana (last stop) which is the stop where all my classes are located. The L4 holds me down in the sense that it will work if I need to get anywhere in the city! It comes every four minutes from the station. I also enjoy these underground stations because so many people come and go. This is a great place for people watching and I enjoy doing so as I wait. Public transportation seems like a big part of the culture here as it is usually always packed! I see tourists and locals every day and can get a sense of how they communicate with each other. Sometimes people play music or break out dance on the metro, usually super unexpected, but I love it. The metro also has safe and efficient hours! It runs from Monday through Thursday from 05:00AM to 12:00AM, then Fridays from 05:00AM to 02:00AM. I wish it was easier to travel around like this in Wisconsin.

Vanessa closes her eyes and smiles while on a yellow kayak on a lake.

Vanessa Leftwich

Major: Consumer Behavior & Marketplace Studies

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Program: Spain – IES Business & Art Barcelona

I am beyond appreciative to receive the Global Gateway Fellowship Award. To me, this fellowship represents a gateway to a world of possibilities and growth, both personally and professionally. I would not have had the same opportunities to expand my global network and experiences without it. Being a recipient of this fellowship also pushes my commitment to using this platform to eventually influence students on campus.

One academic goal I have for this program is to improve my Spanish language skills. I believe enhancing my Spanish will allow me to maintain relationships with the new students I meet and current family members at home. I plan to explore the art and history that influenced the cultural development of Barcelona. I look forward to visiting museums like the Picasso Museum, Joan Miró Foundation, The National Art Museum of Catalonia, and more. Staying busy exploring Spain while meeting new people is key to enhancing my program experience.