Where the hell is Leon, Spain? 

By Zoey Giles, University of Washington

And why am I going? 

_{Catedral de León (I found this on google)} 

My name is Zoey Giles, I am 19 years old and I have never left the country. I live in Washington and I’ve never even been to Canada. You can assume through just this little bit of information that I am not “worldly.” Although I have the spirit and motivation as someone who is. Its all about energy and vibes for me anyway. I go to the University of Washington, Tacoma. I have to say Tacoma because then people will yell at me 😦  

I just completed my second year of college and also my second year of pursuing a degree in Psychology. I really enjoy being in my Major, however I’m not exactly passionate about the biology or neuroscience aspects of psychology. They are important, there is no denying that, but I’m ready to talk to real people and apply my learning. I have been feeling so disconnected from my major as of late because a big part of what drew me into psychology was helping people directly and having an impact. I also feel that I know little to nothing about people, just the people in my family and friend circles. 

I have many interesting interests that a person my age has. I love hanging out with my friends, shopping, partying, playing stardew valley and animal crossing in my bed all day eating junk food. All that niche stuff. Now at this point you’re still wondering about the title of this blog post “Where the hell is Leon, Spain.”  I mean what does Spain have to do with anything I have talked about so far, and why am I so confused about the geographical location of Leon? An interest that I didn’t list of mine is travelling and that’s because I don’t travel… Until NOW! I am going to Leon, Spain in July and I’m obviously very excited. 

_{My 15 year old dog Shelby smiling for the camera} 

I am going to Leon, Spain to study migration, identity, and belonging in the Mediterranean. My main focus of research will be on how migration shapes culture. The first thing I have learned is that Leon is only a 2 hour train ride from Madrid, so that’s where Leon is. When I am actually in Spain, I am going to be exposed to so many opportunities to explore the city, the food, the people and just learn about the culture overall. Additionally I will be learning important history on migration and how different religions influence and inform an entire people. This is an interesting topic for me because I’m Cuban-American, which is very different from being Spaniard. Yet they have such a strong connection and tie to one another because of history.  I have been taught to have a slight negative bias about Spain since their people conquered my ancestors.

It’s important to never forget history, especially ugly terrible history. I don’t hate Spaniards, it’s not their fault. I can have the utmost respect and understanding for both my people and for those in Spain. We share blood and we share a history. I want to learn more about the struggles people have had in Spain and what beauty and community those struggles produced. I will be engaging with literature, music, art and architecture to deepen my knowledge. I will be learning Spanish, the language in which all my family speaks. I was never taught fluently so I am taking this opportunity to learn. 

I am looking forward to doing something new and developing independence. This study abroad program will offer so much, I can’t even put into proper words. I will leave the country for the first time, take a plane all by myself, meet new people, explore new and unfamiliar areas. I am excited to eat the food and try some wine. There is so much to look forward to. You guys will have one hell of an update in about a month, just you wait. 

_{A photo of me just to match the name to a face.}