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Jacquelyn Donohue
Jacquelyn Donohue is an Ambassador who studied abroad in Rome and Greece.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
Two days before I was to start traveling back home I experienced something that made me face several emotions all at once, including: fear, anxiousness, excitement and fascination. Although this may sound like it was a negative event, it actually taught me so much in my final days abroad-things that I will never forget. Some of my friends and I were out shopping for some last minute presents and headed to a large bookstore in the middle of the most popular square in Athens, named Syntagma. As we came closer to the store we saw large crowds of pretty well-behaved protestors marching about with riot police surrounding them. This was a normal occurrence in Athens, so we didn't think twice, and continued on into the store. As we got our things and stood in line to purchase them we heard loud bangs that sounded like gun shots. Instant fear came over my friends and I as we huddled together; unsure of what to think. The guards ran to the exits and hurled their bodies against the doors to shut them. Through the windows we saw people running quickly through crowds, away from the square. We were locked inside, but I was happy to be trapped in there rather than being trapped in those large crowds. We all migrated toward the front of the store trying to get a look at what was happening outside. Instantly, we saw chaos. Those nice neat marchers were now dispersed throughout the streets of the square, running with fire extinguishers, marble blocks that had been chipped off the square's walls and even Molotov cocktails, which would all eventually be thrown at the riot police. Suddenly we all started coughing, sneezing and our eyes even started watering. The bookstore employees informed us that tear gas was getting through the doors and windows somehow and that was the reason for our itchiness and sore throats. Therefore we moved upstairs since we knew we weren't leaving that store anytime soon. The employees continued to let us know what was going on and told us that everything would be fine, which all gave us a little bit of comfort. From the second story, we could see the entire square and everything that was happening. Three cars had been broken into and lit on fire, riot police everywhere trying to avoid those heavy marble blocks and small bombs that were exploding throughout the streets and glass shattered in most windows. It was exciting to watch, but the reality of it was terrifying. We watched with plenty of other Greek people that tried to help us make sense of what was happening. I felt uncomfortable yet I was intrigued by what was going outside on the streets that I had just walked through. I didn't understand why all these people were trying to harm those who are there to protect them, I heard several Greeks saying they should burn down the Parliament building, and everyone said this was so normal. I have never seen this much violence in my life. This would never happen in my city or state. I've never seen people so angry. I've never been scared for my own safety in this way. It was just plain nothing I've ever experienced before. The Greeks told us all about why it was happening and we appreciated that so much. We watched for two hours as mopeds flew around, citizens stood up to the police, fires burned, and the beautiful square turned to shambles. While watching I realized how different life is there, how comfortable I feel all the time at home, and how I would never experience this in Minnesota. It made me finally understand that there is so much happening in the world that I don't know about. People who are so unhappy with their government that they don't even want it, they prefer no government at all. The scary thing to me is that this is probably not even bad to these people, its just normal. This showed me that I have to experience how other people live, I have to open my eyes, get out of my comfort zone, and realize how blessed my life has truly been. I honestly appreciate this day in Athens. It taught me so much, and I will never forget it.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad to get myself out of my comfort zone and experience something that I knew would change my entire outlook on life. I also knew that I would never be able to experience something quite like this after I graduated and had so many other responsibilities. I chose to study abroad in Rome and Greece because of the history and art. I knew that these two countries had immense culture that was so different than my own. The thought of seeing Renaissance art got me so excited. I was so interested in seeing the history that has shaped the rest of the world. I also wanted to be in a place where the people did not speak the same language as me. I was looking for a challenge and I definitely found it. I knew that it would be hard to be in a constant state of change: moving from one America to Italy to Greece; and for the first time in my life that change excited me.
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
Deciding to travel to Rome and Greece for four months was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I made memories that I will never forget and I cannot wait to return again. Throughout my time there, I saw so many amazing things that have so much history, such as, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, the Vatican, the Acropolis, The Temple of Poseidon and so much more. Not only did I see these things when I went with my other group mates to explore the city, but we got to go see these things when we were in class! History is so much more fun to learn when you're actually standing in front of it. The classes were great and always interesting. Living throughout the city was exciting too. It made me feel independent and grown up. I learned very quickly how to do things on my own. I tried so many new foods, talked to so many native people, and experienced so many great things that I would have never experienced if I hadn't stepped out of my comfort zone and into another country!
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
I am different in countless ways, most that weren't even apparent to me until I arrived home. I have become much more independent and adventurous, along with being more open-minded to new cultures and people, and I have gained a greater understanding of when to be a leader and when it is okay to let others take control. I see the world in a different light now. I understand that most other countries in the world know a lot more about the United States than I even know about it, let alone what I know about their countries. I now understand how important it is to be informed of other happenings in the world and not just what is happening in St. Joe. I now feel that I am fully capable of doing things on my own, such as, grocery shopping, planning vacations, and just plain living on my own. I also see now how important it is to be sensitive to those who live in the United States but are new to it, because I was scared and helpless a lot of the time and those Europeans almost always wanted to help. Instead of ignoring someone who needs help, I now feel the need to help them as much as I can-because I was once in their position. This experience has changed me and I am so thankful for that.
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
My advice would be to step out of your comfort zone, understand that this experience will change you and you will never forget it. I would tell them to make sure to take advantage of every day, weekend, class period, train ride, and walk around town. You can learn more than you think on a simple grocery store visit. Take advantage of living among Greeks and Romans. They can teach you things you will never learn at home. Ask them what they think about America and Americans, what their life is like and how they practice their religion and spend time with their families. Although it sounds invasive, these people love to tell you about their lives. They want you to know what its like to live in Rome, Athens, Venice, Florence or Olympia. They want you to understand their culture and this is the best way to do it. I would also tell them to throw themselves into this new life, forget about what you're missing at home. Home will still be there when you get back. You'll miss your family and they'll miss you, but they will always be there for you. Rome, on the other hand, you may never see again. Try to do more than take a picture of the Colosseum or the Parthenon. Think about what these buildings mean and why they're important. Don't take a picture to show your friends, take a picture to remember the thoughts you had there and the feelings you felt when looking at those ancient ruins. Remember to always reflect. I would tell them to make sure they do everything they want and spend their money on trips, boat rides and new foods rather than a trinket for your third cousin. Those memories will stay forever and you won't regret it. Challenge yourself everyday to do something new. Even if you want to sleep in, push yourself to keep going. Sleep when you get back in four months. You will be so happy that you did. Finally, respect this new place. You are new to it and it will not function the way you are used to. Its been there longer than you and you have to understand that you are foreign to this country. You're going to uncomfortable but that's the greatest way to learn. Respect the people. You may not be able to understand them but that is not their fault. Respect their traditions and values because they may not seem important to you, but it may be apart of their everyday life. Give yourself and our country a good name by giving consideration to things you don't understand.