Paris inspired
A little background…
It’s been over a year and a half since I ended my most memorable and life-enriching, 3-month experience abroad. It was fall quarter of my 4th year of college and I was nearing the end of my educational career. I knew if I didn’t jump on the opportunity to attend school in a foreign country, I’d probably regret it forever. Paris had always been a dream city for me, beginning with a brief family trip when I was young and only intensifying through my exposure to french culture: language, food, films, style, art, music, etc. It all captured my attention. Although I’ve heard many describe this city as overrated, overpopulated, overdone, you name it… I could honestly care less. Paris was a city I made my own, even in its imperfections. There are endless facets of vibrant culture packed into this unique place that it’s impossible to generalize or allow it to fall into such a stereotype. I can’t relay every notable memory I had in those short 3 months but I hope this encourages you to take advantage of learning in a foreign country (if the opportunity is available to you).
So why go?
Well it’s simple. Any time you place yourself into a new environment, you are ultimately stepping outside of your comfort zone. Any time you step outside of what’s normal for you, it provides you with new ways to grow, new connections for your brain to form, and ultimately a more efficient mind for creative problem solving. In the lens of a designer, this is great! You’re a creative, which means that whatever it takes to enrich your personal perspective will only expand your creative output.
What’s the impact?
Upon returning to my normal life, I can’t say I was a completely different person. I was still Bri, just with an experience in my mind that felt like a distant dream or a nostalgic bedtime story. I was different in that the little things that created this overarching memory combined to give me a slightly different, and more improved lens in my approach to the world. The people I met, the classes I took, the places I ventured into, and all the little nuances I picked up on during this time left an impact that is still felt to this day, even if it’s subtle. I now find myself searching for the hints of magic that I felt while I was there. I find myself craving new perspectives and I have an innate desire to learn about the depth of people, things, and perspectives different from my own. Overall, it gave me a layer of awareness I never had before. If you can pay attention to that in design, what makes your creations unique yet unifying and inspiring to the people and lives you want to help, it is honestly everything. So go abroad! It is the quickest, most adventurous way to add a rich perspective to your life that is all your own.