A few weeks ago, I saw a picture of a mural that read, "You still haven't met all of the people who are going to love you (and who you are going to love back)." I never knew how true that quote would be until I took this trip.
A month ago, I left Montgomery, Alabama thinking that I would spend a portion of my summer on a beautiful island, knocking out a few classes and hopefully making one or two friends along the way. Little did I know that I would gain so much more than that in my time in St. Maarten. I had no idea that I would learn so much academically, grow so significantly as an individual, and also gain fifteen of my dearest friends.
With people from ten different states, the trip consisted of people from all backgrounds and beliefs. It was so comforting to know that while we weren't all the same age, didn't all believe the same things, and didn't even sound the same when we talked, we all had so much respect and love for one another.
Over the course of the month I learned so much about myself. By taking APR 490, I learned that I enjoy more of the creative, planning side of Public Relations. At the same time, APR 426 taught me that I am capable of doing research and that it can actually be really fun and interesting to learn about!
Living in St. Maarten also opened my eyes to what is truly important in life. Being around the locals I was able to realize that work and being successful isn't the most important thing in life. Rather than living to work, they work to live. When the island is in its high season, they work long, hard days. When they're in their low season, they cherish the extra time that they have to spend time with friends and family. When I go out into the real world and begin my career, I hope to enjoy Public Relations and all that it encompasses, but also understand that it is just a job, not my identity.
There's a song by Kesha and Macklemore that talks about how you really don't know that you are in the"good ole days"until you leave them. I think that this is true about our time in St. Maarten. From the deep talks in Philipsburg with MK and Kendall to crying laughing as Kate and I get slammed by waves, I will never forget all of the little moments that made this trip so special.
As I return back to my normal, less than glamorous life in Alabama, I hope to have the same perspective about life that the people of St. Maarten do. I hope to always be thankful for what I do have rather than focusing on what I don't have. I hope to continuously expand my horizons and step out of my comfort zone in the future. I hope to be as welcoming and friendly to others as the island, my professors, and my fellow classmates were to me.
While I'm heartbroken that our trip has come to an end, I am so thankful to have formed lifelong friendships that make goodbyes so difficult! August cannot come soon enough!
-Ellie Slawson
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