I was really debating what picture to post that best represents my trip. At first I was thinking of posting a picture of everything I bought, but upon further reflection, that seemed too shallow. Then I was thinking of posting a picture of food I ate because I’m a huge foodie…but then I remembered the best food I ate was sushi at a restaurant, which definitely doesn’t represent Morocco. The single best photo that represents this picture is one that includes the girls who truly made the trip so special. I left Morocco with 5 new supportive, smart, hilarious, gorgeous friends, whom I plan to have weekly tea time with next year. Without my habibis on this trip, I definitely think my experience would have been much different. They were there to hear me rant about my experiences, both good and bad, while I was there to hear theirs. They were there to encourage and critique my shopping in the souks, while I did the same for them. And most importantly, they took pictures of me whenever I asked hehe. No but seriously, my habibis made this trip truly amazing. Living with a host family pushed me out of my comfort zone wayyyy more than I expected. I was very uncomfortable at first and was feeling really homesick, which is weird because I never get homesick. Having girls to talk to who were also experiencing host families for the first time was crucial for me. Instead of feeling isolated in a country thousands of miles away from home, these girls made me feel understood. We were vulnerable with each other and grew together during the trip. This picture of me and my habibis shows more than just a newborn friendship, but it represents how close connections truly shape experiences!
Not only did I make lifelong friendships on this trip, but I also grew in so many ways. Personally, I was pushed very far out of my comfort zone and had to learn how to adapt to the changes. I also ate so many cooked vegetables on this trip, which is growth for me because I HATE cooked vegetables. Squash, eggplant, carrots, and zucchini… NO THANKS… but I wasn’t going to not eat what my host mom cooked for me, so I plugged my nose and pretended I was enjoying a glorious Chipotle bowl. Academically, I learned so much regarding technology and entrepreneurship. Learning about all of the ways technology startups need support, and the challenges they face, was something I knew nothing about before. I have never been particularly interested in coding and other software related things, but learning about them firsthand from coders, teachers, software developers, and other highly educated people was very interesting and made me more knowledgeable, which will help me grow academically. Lastly, I grew professionally by making so many connections. I now have connections with 19 other brilliant classmates, 2 wise staff members, my Moroccan host family, my friend Chaimaa, and all of the other amazing people I met and engaged with on the trip. My professional world would be nothing without connections with people, so by going on this trip, I strengthened the most crucial part of my professional life, as well as growing personally and academically! Shukran Morocco, you were truly a blessing!