A Piece of Self-Discovery in Spain
Submitted by Julia Sayco
Understanding your true self takes time; for me, it took years. It was the vagueness of it all that sparked my anxiety: having no direction in life and feeling lost within the constraints of my own mind. You would think that even with large academic and long-term goals, I would feel more satisfied in fulfilling them with “ease,” but I continued to struggle with the idea of commitment and the thought that my dreams would somehow turn into reality.
Throughout the 2023 winter session, a selected few were chosen to study abroad in Europe and clinically shadow doctors in the Hospital de Mérida, located in the Extremadura region of Spain. One summer night in June, I received an acceptance letter from the University of Delaware’s Study Abroad Program. You can imagine the beaming excitement I had in that moment. I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of spending my days in Spain, a country I’ve been studying since kindergarten, and all throughout high school and college. But little did I know, this experience would be life-changing in the way it altered my view of myself and of life.
Through months and months of preparation and the occasional feelings of “first-time” nerves, I packed up my bags and departed from Philly International Airport to embark on my journey to Spain. I grew more excited as I began to put names to the faces I’ve been chatting with from our study abroad group chat.
After a long flight and bus ride to our program city—Mérida, Spain—we rolled our suitcases on the cobblestoned-pathway up the hill toward our assigned apartment complexes. Settling in was somewhat stressful: adjusting to the time zone changes (with Spain being 6 hours ahead), learning the many cultural differences with food and lingo, and understanding the ways of the streets through which we ventured.
But within a short timeframe, me, as well as the others, adapted well to our environment and our new home. We adopted a schedule and spent time learning extensively about our professional interests. I cherished the moments on our commute to the hospital, with us casually walking on Puente Romano, the world’s longest surviving bridge from ancient times, that spanned over the Guadiana River, and our spoken curiosities about what our day might entail. Each day in the hospital brought me fresh experiences, where I’d relay my excitement and fascination with the others on all of the sights, smells, and small wonders I’ve encountered through our walks home or at dinner.
Guadiana River, an international river that stretches along the Portugal-Spain border.
After long shadowing shifts, I wandered through the trees through Spain’s natural scenery and stumbled upon a rock pathway that gave way to the ever-flowing river. And from then on, I deemed it the “secret” spot, only sharing the location with 3 of my closest friends.
We laughed and skipped stones, watching the ripples of the waters and the bending of gleaming light rays. We shared our deepest wishes, our wants for our future, and the countless memories we’ve made.
Spain made me feel more at peace with myself, through which self-reflection led me to self-discovery.
Never would I have ever thought that I could gain such an immense appreciation for others and a greater need to serve them through grace and with kindness. Shadowing Spanish physicians fueled my motive to study hard and to become a leader that will always lend a helping hand. In Spain, I realized the self-love that I’ve been lacking: but now, I’ve grown enough confidence in the notion that I am more than capable of fulfilling my dream in the pursuit toward a career in medicine. Muchas gracias, España. Para todo.
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