Eliher Meza-Barcelona, Spain 2013

Age when Abroad: 20

I am a first-generation graduate from Colorado State University, graduated with a BSW (Bachelors in Social Work) in 2016. Although I considered dropping out of college after my first semester, I found the support I needed to continue my journey, leading me to study abroad in Barcelona.

I still remember my first day walking the streets of Barcelona, exploring what would be my new home for the next few months. I had an emotional moment when I realized how blessed I was to be studying in a country across the world, miles away from what I call home. I never imagined going to college, much less studying abroad. This was the furthest I had been away from my entire family, it was a huge deal as I had just overcame being homesick from going to college. I learned that where there is a will there is a way. I kept myself busy going to the beach, going to art museums, Park Guell and Sagrada Familia, spending time with natives and my German roommate. There was a day when a few blocks away from my apartment the FC Barcelona Team was shopping for clothes, I was just a few feet away from big players like Leonel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Alex Sanchez and many more! I ended up going to watch a soccer game in one of the most historic soccer fields. On top of living in Barcelona I was able to make a trip to Granada, Spain- a smaller town in Spain and less touristic. I also went to Rome, Italy for a few days and got to see the Coliseum and the Trevi Fountain. Looking back my memories abroad it is as if it was just a dream, a dream come true.

The way I see the world has changed due to me studying abroad. I appreciate diversity and pride in culture, I appreciate traveling- the world is just at our finger tips, I appreciate the adrenaline that comes with getting off a plane to a place that you have never been to before.

I am the youngest of four siblings, raised by a single mother, Mexican-American whom has overcame many obstacles to be who I am and to get where I am today. All of our decisions lead to experiences, experiences shape who we are, who we are impacts our loved ones and the entire world. I encourage everyone to consider studying abroad, do research on getting financial assistance if needed, and make the decision to study abroad. There are scholarships and grants available to help the dream of studying abroad become a reality.