What is/are your major(s)?
Psychology & Socio-legal Studies
What is/are your minor(s)?
N/A
What is the name of your study abroad program?
In what city & country is your study abroad program located?
Rome, Italy
What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?
I put my middle initial when I write my name because I am one of three Luis Nevarez’s, so it helps me stand out more and makes it easier for people to find the real me. I am a first-generation student just trying to explore and do things a lot of my family couldn’t have imagined for me. Plus, I am a massive foodie so expect plenty of food reviews. Also, I like to write stories with lots of imagery but don’t ask me to write about myself because I will go through 6 different drafts (which I had to do for this). Honestly, a little nervous to be on this adventure but planning to make the most of it and hope to bring as many people along for the ride as possible.
What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?
I would lie if I said I am not anticipating some great food and gelato while in Rome, but my second most anticipated aspect of my study abroad experience is seeing something new. It is vague but I have been constricted to Denver for most of my life and this is my first time going somewhere outside of the US, so the idea of seeing things from a different country on the other side of the world is what makes me excited about my program.
Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?
I got lucky. I won the StudentUniverse Voucher from the bingo at the study abroad fair; a fair I was about to ignore because I was hungry and wanted to go to Pete’s Dinner for some food. I did not think going abroad would have been possible because it seemed like too much strain on my wallet, and I could never bring myself to ask for my family’s financial support outside of what they have already done and have gone through to help me as a first-generation student. So, I filled out the forms, made a hypothetical list of what programs I would like to attend if the stars aligned for me, and waited for something to push me. I kept telling myself “Next year, I can save up and go next year” but then the email came saying I got a voucher for travel, and it felt like a sign. After a bit more convincing from my girlfriend and a lot of research into the scholarship opportunities, I chose my programs and now here I am 6 weeks out from the start of a domino effect I could have only dreamed of.
