3,2,1

By: Sofia Hinestrosa

As my time in Sevilla continues, I’ve realized that this experience is about much more than traveling or taking classes abroad. It has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, introduced me to new perspectives, and given me opportunities to explore my research topic in ways that would not have been possible from home. Looking ahead, there are still several things I hope to accomplish before the summer ends.

3 Things I Want to Do

1. Conduct interviews with Sevilla locals.

This is one of the biggest goals for my research project comparing healthcare access in Sevilla and Tallahassee. Speaking directly with Sevilla locals will help me better understand how Spain’s healthcare system functions and how patients experience it. It will also provide perspectives that cannot be found in articles or statistics alone.

2. Improve my Spanish through everyday interactions.

Although I have grown up with my parents speaking Spanish to me, living in Sevilla has challenged me to use it constantly. Whether ordering food, asking for directions, or talking with locals, every interaction helps build my confidence. This goal is both personal and professional because communication is essential in healthcare.

3. Continue exploring Spanish culture through food and community.

Some of my favorite experiences so far have happened around the table. Sharing tapas with friends, visiting places like Mercado de la Encarnación, and trying foods I never would have considered at home, such as lamb liver and fresh seafood, have helped me understand how deeply food is connected to culture in Spain.

2 Skills I Want to Develop

1. Interviewing and communication skills.

As I begin conducting research interviews, I want to become more comfortable asking thoughtful questions and guiding conversations. These are important professional skills that I will use throughout my future career in medicine.

2. Adaptability.

Living abroad constantly presents unexpected situations. Whether navigating transportation, adjusting to cultural differences, or finding new ways to approach my research, I am learning how to adapt quickly. This is a skill I know will benefit me both personally and professionally.

1 Quote That Represents My Experience

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch

This quote perfectly captures my experience in Sevilla so far. Between adapting to a new culture, conducting research on healthcare access, and communicating in Spanish every day, I have been challenged in ways I never expected. While stepping outside my comfort zone hasn’t always been easy, it has led to some of the most meaningful growth and learning experiences of my summer. 

As the summer continues, I am excited to see how these experiences shape both my research and my future goals as a student and aspiring healthcare professional.