God has created a world full of things to see and explore. Adventure can be found in the depths of the Great Barrier Reef, in the Hindu temples of India, and even on a rope swing in Searcy. In the past few years, I've had the opportunity to embark on all of these amazing adventures and more. Studying abroad taught me that with the right people, adventure is everywhere.

In the Fall of 2017, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Australasia with 26 other Harding students and 4 different faculty/staff. In three months I visited six countries: New Zealand, Australia, India, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

The incredible activities I got to participate in are easily the coolest things I’ve ever done. I skydived 15,000 feet over the Remarkables in New Zealand. I touched a shark on the Great Barrier Reef. I sang in the Sydney Opera House. I fed monkeys on the side of the road in India. I bathed elephants in Thailand. I went to a ghost museum in Malaysia.

These memories are thrilling, emotional, and unforgettable. But the truth is, this experience taught me how to find adventure anywhere with anyone. Studying abroad gave me a craving to see more of the world, and an amazing group of people to explore it with.

International Programs gave me life-long friends. Having the shared experience of seeing the world in the way we did is so valuable. Soon we transitioned from only talking about study abroad to actually talking about our day-to-day lives and struggles. We went from travel buddies to true friends. I even began working for the International Programs Office. The leadership and kindness of the staff in that office have been an incredible example to me.

People often ask me if I miss Australasia. Of course I do. A part of my heart is in all of the places I traveled to. However, my heart is landing in other places too as I adventure around Searcy, Memphis, Utah, and beyond to experience life with these true friends that make every day into an adventure.

I am so thankful for my experience with Harding’s International Programs. God has used it to grow my heart for the world and others. While I am biased towards Australasia, I also see the immense value that can be found in every other program that is offered, whether that is in Europe, South America, or Africa! I’ve loved being able to serve the Harding community by answering their questions, filing their paperwork, and sorting through tons of spreadsheets to make sure their study abroad experience is as amazing as mine was. Thank you International Programs for three years of adventure. I will always cherish the memories made abroad, on campus, and in our office.

A quote found in my journal from HUA: “We’re moving constantly and traveling to new places, but as long as I’m with these people, I feel safe and at home.” – My travel journal, 11-03-17 in Sydney, Australia