As I mentioned in my first blog, my series focuses on authenticity, growth, and self-improvement. These themes became especially meaningful to me after my experience studying in Paris, France, last spring. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent four months in Europe, traveling, learning, and experiencing different cultures. But what truly impacted me wasn’t just the sights or the novelty—it was how the experience challenged me to expand my worldview and rethink my place in the world.

Before Paris, my life followed a pretty structured path, one that was often predictable and comfortable. While there’s nothing wrong with that, studying abroad pushed me out of my routine in ways I didn’t expect. I encountered language barriers, navigated unfamiliar places on my own, and at times, felt isolated in a city that was both exciting and overwhelming. I learned to rely on my intuition and develop a quiet confidence that I hadn’t fully embraced before.

The most profound lesson Paris taught me is the importance of slowing down and being present. I spent ordinary Tuesday afternoons sitting at a café, watching locals enjoy a leisurely glass of wine or chat animatedly over lunch. Life in Paris seemed to have a rhythm of its own—people weren’t rushing, even when surrounded by the hustle of a busy city. It forced me to reflect on how often, back home, I got caught up in my own busyness, chasing deadlines and stress without truly taking in the moments around me. I realized how much I’d been living on autopilot.

Since being back home, I try to carve out time for reflection, for being present with the people I care about, and for savoring small joys instead of just moving from one task to the next. These aren’t grand gestures, but small, intentional shifts. I still feel the pull of everyday stresses and obligations, but I’ve learned to balance them with moments that ground me.

Ultimately, I think it’s important to remember that personal growth isn’t always found in big, dramatic moments—it can come from quiet experiences, from the way a new perspective reshapes how you see the world. I’m grateful for Paris not just because of the places I saw, but because of how it changed how I live and experience life.