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The day began fairly sunny with a seemingly perfect bright blue sky and streaks of pure white clouds. This was one of the warmer days we experienced in Jena, Germany, which would be perfect for the outdoor activities we had planned.
Being chauffeured in the grandest of carriages, which was really just a long bus, this nearly 40 minute drive past miles of splendid yellow rapeseed would take us to a place we had only read about in history books, Buchenwald. The place otherwise known as one of the first and largest concentration camps in Germany.
The drive felt like it took hours even as we joked around with each other and told stories about college, cows and the odd name of the yellow flowers we whizzed pass.
As we approached the heavily wooded area surrounded the concentration camp, the jubilant banter between the group began to die down. The sun that shone so high before was no match for the tall, spindly trees. With each twist and turn, the group conversation got darker. We began discussing how awful it was that this happened and couldn’t even imagine how hard it must have been for those who were sent here.
A select few who had gone to concentration camps before warned us that it would be an experience unlike we had ever had before. It just couldn’t be compared.
As we neared the end of the winding road, silence filled the bus. We were finally at Buchenwald. At the entrance, we were met with a brisk wind, various barracks, and, most surprisingly, loud German teenagers on, what we presumed to be, fieldtrips.
Many of us were ready to understand more about the horrors World War II had incited within these walls, however we were not prepared for the copious amounts of youths, who seemed a bit too uncaring.
While this was something we weren’t expecting, we quickly realized it was probably not their first time seeing how the war had affected countless people.
I don’t think we could really pass judgment on them, and so I just let it go.
After this, we were shown a short movie and then the layout of the concentration camp. Our tour guide was kind as she answered our questions while she led us through the various parts of the camp.
At the true entrance to the concentration camp, we all stopped and took our first glimpse at the place where more than 50,000 people died.
It was mind numbing to think about just how many lives were lost on the soil we stood on. I couldn’t begin to imagine what it must have really been like when it was in full working condition. On the iron gates outside, there was the phrase, “Jedem das Seine” which translates “To each his own.” The phrase was ominous and foreboding.
The only pop of color on the old iron gates was a single red rose hanging from where the lock would be as simple reminder.
As we continued the tour through the crematorium and the various other buildings, we stomached it all. The short ceilings, the hooks on the walls, and the cold wind on top of Ettersberg hill.
When we neared the end of the tour, our guide brought us over to a silver plaque embedded in the ground. It wouldn’t have been as noticeable if there weren’t a variety of vibrant flowers circling it. She told us the story of the metal plaque and what it symbolized.
It was a memorial to all the inmates who had suffered there. Engraved with the names of the fifty nations and victim groups, the memorial was planted where the first memorial in Buchenwald was erected.
In the middle, the plate is kept at 37 °C, which is the temperature of the human body. This is the photo I decided to capture. The moment when we touched the heat we’re all familiar with.
It was warm, but not hot. The metal was at the perfect temperature and would remain that way to commemorate the lives that lived and the lives that were lost.
This officially ended our tour, and we were free to wander the grounds further. While the tour seemed short, it was eye opening.
At the end, I didn’t know how to feel. Even though it may have seemed obvious I was supposed to feel sad, upset or even angry, I just couldn’t. This was probably one of the first times I just felt nothing, like there was a void within me. My emotions were drained and there was little left to feel that hadn’t already been felt by others.
I guess the others were right, this experience was like any I would or have had since. Nothing could truly compare.
The summer of 2019 was spent venturing out of my comfort zone, and I couldn’t be happier to have taken that risk. Hesitantly, I took the opportunity during the month of July to travel to Barcelona, Spain with ISA. One month may not seem like long for some, but it was the longest I had ever been away from home. Yet, there I was, about to spend 30 days 5,000 miles away from everything and everyone I’ve ever known. Oh, and did I mention I didn’t speak the language? Needless to stay, I began my trip as a shy newcomer, but over time I learned to embrace the culture, the people, and the overall experience.
Immediately upon my arrival to Barcelona, I met my fellow ISA students. I soon realized that everyone was in the same boat, and before long it was like we had known each other for years. I adjusted quickly and we all transformed from shy and hesitant into a group of ecstatic tourists, ready to take on one of the largest cities in Spain. Barcelona is a city with countless things to do and see. If I were there for any less than a month, there would have been no way to see it all. Each day after class we would all hop on the metro and head straight to the next “must see”.
Barcelona is a city of color. Every new adventure left me stunned with the architecture and the life it seemed to breathe into the city. The most famous buildings there were designed by a man named Antoni Gaudí who is known for his use of bright mosaic tiles pieced together, which can be seen in the photo above. I can’t help but think that Gaudí's work was an attempt to capture the life that happens in Barcelona. People from all walks of life, tourists and locals alike, coming together to celebrate the greatest joys of life, in an experience of spontaneity and happiness. I believe it’s the people, not the bright colors of the architecture that make Barcelona so incredibly vibrant.
I felt this in all of my experiences abroad. I felt it as I was dancing in the streets of Barcelona, watching Bastille Day fireworks on the beaches of France, jumping off of a boat in the middle of the Mediterranean, and while harvesting vegetables on a Valencian farm. I was in awe with every experience. Though they were extreme, these experiences were nothing less than humbling. They helped me appreciate the small joys in life; the laughter, smiles, and even the tears.
It was hard to be away from home, but I think in doing so, I found a home away from home. I’ve missed Barcelona from the minute I got back. I’ve missed the views and the experiences, but mostly I’ve missed the people. They helped open my eyes to so much, and as cheesy as it sounds, the overall experience truly changed me
My study abroad trip to Northern Ireland/ Ireland was one of the most profound experiences of my life. I was able to experience a new culture as well as take in some breathtaking scenic views. This photo was taken at Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland and clearly shows the beauty of the coastline. One of the aspects of the class was about nature and the attention restoration theory. This theory states that nature is able to provide people with the opportunity to rest, reflect, and restore themselves. During the day I was able to spend hours exploring the small island and put the theory into use. This included viewing native birds build their nests as well as looking across the Atlantic Ocean and seeing the outline of Scotland in the distance. For Ireland being a rainy country, the afternoon was gorgeous and I spent many hours basking in the sun, taking in the beauty of the world. I was able to reflect on the past, present, and future. That afternoon was one of peace and clarity, I felt restored and rested when we left the island.
There were many moments on the trip when I felt that same way as I did on Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Island. Throughout the trip we made several stops at scenic areas such as Giant’s Causeway and Tollymore Forest Park, where I was again able to use the attention restoration theory. For instance, I was able to experience a sunset at Giant’s Causeway and it was magical. Even when I am grey and old I will still remember the beauty of that sunset. At all of the places I experienced this strong sense of peace and clarity. Every aspect of Ireland was rejuvenating. This included the culture as well. One night I was able to take in Irish folk music. The band comprised of a guitar, violin, and a concertina played at one of the oldest thatched pubs in Ireland. They sang traditional songs as well as some modern ones. It was another moment in which I truly felt at peace. Overall, these experiences will stay with me throughout my life. From the forest to the seaside, Ireland was a specular trip. I plan to return one day and share the joy of peace and clarity that I experienced.
