·     Challenges and Triumphs. Describe one personal challenge and one personal triumph you have experienced recently. How did they make you feel? What have you learned from these experiences?

            Throughout the past few weeks, I have experienced both reassuring triumphs and disheartening challenges. Many of the challenges I have faced have been through unfamiliarity and inability to communicate as well as I can in English.

            The first challenge I faced that stuck out in my mind was when I was decided to work at the CLM library. It took me a few minutes to find it as it was a smaller room perched on an upper level of the CLM. After two unsuccessful attempts at finding it, I saw the door for “la biblioteca” and entered. There was a sign hanging on the door that instructed students to give their ID to the desk assistant and they would be allowed to go in. After standing quite awkwardly in front of her for about fifteen seconds with my ID in my hand she looked up and barked an incoherent sentence in Spanish. It was at this moment I knew I was cooked. Not only did I not comprehend the words coming out of her mouth she, I didn’t care for her pejorative tone. After yelling another exclamation in Spanish, I realized I had no grasp whatsoever on the language and after standing in front of her like a deer in the headlights for 45-60 seconds she exasperatedly told me (in English) that I could just walk in. It is day 17 and I have yet to return to the library.

            Despite this challenge in the language barrier, I felt I grew from the experience. I was able to think on it and realize my inability to communicate was my problem not hers. I learned to understand that many people would treat me as if I were just any other Spanish speaker which gave me the confidence and drive to be prepared if I know I am getting into a situation that my ability to effectively communicate in Spanish is necessary. This was a good learning experience to have patience and use what knowledge I do know in Spanish to converse and explain my situation to someone. I am glad I experienced this challenge and know how to better be prepared if it happens again.

            Living away from home in a foreign country has also come with great triumphs that brought reaffirmation of my independence. One afternoon, I decided to venture out on my own and get dinner. After finding a local store, I exchanged greetings with the man behind the counter and ordered my food. After ordering, conversing, paying, and saying goodbye, I sat in a local plaza and ate while listening to music in front of the fountain. This whole experience from navigating the city, to ordering food, and enjoying a local spot in Granada was a great success that helped me realize I was capable of being somewhat independent in a foreign country. I look forward to the many more challenges and triumphs that are to come.