“Growing up as a kid I had three of the most stereotypical fears that lingered with me for a majority of my life: heights, the dark, and the ocean. If anyone were to tell me that in the matter of two days I would test these fears to their limits, I would’ve told them they were bonkers,” shared Rachel Fuller in her Study Away Blog entitled “Fear no more,” from September 5, 2017.
Rachel, a 2019 Biology graduate, was completing a semester abroad in Kralendijk, Bonaire, an island in the Caribbean.
In September 2017, she jumped from a 35 foot cliff in the northern part of the island at Boka Slagbaai in Washington Slagbaai National Park, and experienced a night dive in the ocean.
“When I began to sink into the dark depths of the ocean, I was almost certain that my heart was about to beat out of my chest. Imagine the darkest darkness you have ever been in, and then imagine that you’re not alone in this darkness but rather swimming amongst the creepy crawly creatures of the night in the ocean. However, once I got used to the gigantic tarpon that swarmed my light, I found the ocean at night is actually a beautiful thing. The coral which once looked stone hard in appearance, now swayed in the ocean current, looking fuzzy and soft. When our time ran out and I surfaced under the moonlight and stars, I found myself wishing I was back on the reef engulfed in the dark. As strange as it sounds, it was one of the most peaceful feelings I have ever experienced. Maybe fear, after all, is just the gateway to an adventure waiting to unfold.”
Rachel’s adventure did not end with her experience in Bonaire. She wanted to study in Thailand and in the summer of 2018, she accomplished that goal. She completed a summer study abroad experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where she studied Tropical Medicine and Elephant Husbandry and Health Care. In both study away locations, she was able to conduct undergraduate research.
In 2018, she reflected on the personal transformation that occurred during her time abroad.
“I went into my study abroad experience thinking I knew exactly how my pathway would turn out. I used to be able to tell someone exactly where my life path was leading, but now I am not so sure. Contrary to my prior belief, embracing the unknown is more of a blessing than you could ever anticipate. I know there are many roads ahead, and I know I am bound to take a wrong turn or two. However, I also know that no matter where my life takes me, the lessons and growth I have seen in myself from studying abroad will carry on throughout this journey. The academic, professional, intellectual, personal, and civic parts of who I am will continue to grow, and hopefully, the future adventures abroad will further that growth.”
As a second year veterinary student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she knows the experiences she completed at VWU bolstered her application in the highly competitive entrance process.
“I believe my participation in studying abroad and undergraduate research made me a competitive applicant and ultimately led to my acceptance into veterinary school.”
She has a message for students who may be considering an internship, undergraduate research project, and study away experience.
“Do it! Even if it seems impossible for your life plan, it CAN work out and it will be worth it! Also, I highly recommend scuba diving!”