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Nevin Witman

Student Profile

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Nevin Witman

University of Westminster, London, Spring 2005
Biotechnology

Metaphorically speaking, they say each individual lives her or his life and that their life is compatible to a book. At the end of a full successful life, every major important event in ones life can be classified into a chapter. Some chapters are long, some are short, and some chapters are suspenseful and thrilling, while others are less exciting. Many individuals would crown their college years as their biggest, perhaps best chapter of their life. And of course I can reconcile with that statement. College brings individual dynamic change and the college experience sprouts independent growth, maturing and the building of character.

However, I don't have a broad chapter in my book of life on college. My college experiences have been way too vast to summaries in one chapter. Perhaps the thickest, most thrilling and interesting chapter, not only in college but in my life, was written when I decided to study abroad. Studying abroad could be a separate book, let alone one full chapter.

For me studying abroad was especially unique because I spent my first few years living at home commuting to a commonwealth Penn State campus. It took me my first few years in college to become independent and comfortable living away from home.

Last fall after changing majors and locations to University Park , I decided that I've been missing out on a lot of things. There's an entire, beautiful world out there that needs to be seen. This attitude brought me to the realization that I had to go abroad. Because foreign language is not required for my coursework, and being proficient in only English, it wasn't a challenge choosing a suitable country to study in.

Studying abroad provided me with the potential to experience a different culture. For nearly six months I was part of an energetic, culturally rich, and educationally diverse society. I have become more independent and on a much broader note, I have gained international alliances with British students and professors.

While studying at the University of Westminster in London , England , I decided to lighten up on the science courses so I could explore and learn about British culture. I took two science courses, a biochemistry course and a microbiology course that were directly transferred to compatible courses for my major. I also took a sociology course and an art and society course. The art and society course was an incredible course which led me all around London, teaching me about the history of various buildings, architecture, and artwork.

The university also administers a three week spring break to separate the two terms. I spent everyday of that break traveling across Europe . I saw seven major countries and over ten major international European cities. Backpacking was an incredible eye-opening experience to the customs and ways of European life.

In conclusion, studying abroad has proven to be my best life choice so far. I can't think of any negative comments, except for how much I miss it. I would encourage every college student, with absolutely no reservation, to spend at least one semester abroad. In fact, I enjoyed England so much that I'm quite sure I'll be attending either professional or graduate studies somewhere within the United Kingdom. The time I spent abroad was terrific, with the experience offering much more than any class could ever hope to. And much like the chapters of a great novel, I wish it wouldn't have ended.