Today is a bittersweet day. I am currently sitting on a bus, about to depart from Espace Pilatre de Sant Rozier, my residence for the past three weeks. The school part of our trip is over, we have taken our last exams and moved out of our rooms. We are headed to Brussels, Belgium to visit the EU Council. After that we will be spending a couple of days in Normandy visiting World War II Memorials and such. Then the last two days of the program will be spend in Paris. I am excited for all of the adventures we have ahead of us, but I will dearly miss the little life we had going on in Metz.
It was quite simple actually, but it was so relaxing. We joked around many times that we felt disconnected from the real world because the days were so enjoyable and carefree. My only responsibility was attending class, which was only for a couple of hours a day and was usually pretty interesting anyways. Back home I am constantly juggling multiple tasks and running on a tight schedule - I would never have the time to take a relaxing two-hour lunch or a stroll late at night around town. This trip allowed me to rediscover how much I enjoy the simple things that I have had to exclude from my life because they weren’t a “good investment” of my time. What I liked the most was that enjoying life was part of the culture here, it was acceptable and an easy fit in the lifestyle. My personal opinion is that in the United States people are encouraged to always be on the go, to lead a busy aka ’fulfilling’ lifestyle. People who take time out for themselves and their enjoyment are seen as lazy and unproductive. Isn’t that just sad? Yes, it leads to a rich and productive society, but many people pass their lives without really enjoying them or feeling happiness. I personally am a go-getter, I like to be a winner, and I fear that if I continue my life in the United States I will have to sacrifice a relaxed lifestyle so I can come out on top.
Overall, this trip has reassured me that studying international business is right for me. I am much more comfortable with the idea of pursuing a career outside of the United States. I will also be applying to graduate schools abroad. I think it will be amazing if I find a university that is right for me in Spain, Luxembourg, or even Germany. It is sad that if I choose to go on with this move I will be starting all over again in a new place. It means starting friendships from scratch again and building a brand new self-image. The idea of not really being able to live in a place where I have a lot of history and childhood friends does scare me and will probably be one of the forces that has potential to hold me back. I can only wait and see what will happen, and the decisions that I will be making!
About Me
- Gabi Radanova
- Hello, my name is Gabi Radanova. I am a junior at Illinois State University pursuing degrees in International Business and Finance. I have always had an interest in traveling, interacting with people of different cultures, and learning to solve problems by looking at the issue through a different perspective. When I started taking business courses, I was fascinated by the effects businesses have on the world as a whole and how the decisions made by top executives affect people from every corner of the world! I was thrilled to find the right program for me that combines my passion for travel and managing money. I dedicate my time at ISU to various organizations. I am the chapter president of The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, an honorary society for the top 10% of students in universities all over the country. As well I am an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional Business fraternity. As head of the Professional Committee I help bring guest speakers to our chapter. I am also honored to be member of Beta Gamma Sigma. I hope all of the ways I spend my time prepare me for a challenging, global career.
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