I studied at the Australian National University the second semester of my sophomore year. Since I was still early in my degree, I completed two core requirements:  developmental psychology, and clinical psychology, and I chose two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander courses as electives. I still believe that my clinical psychology course had some of the most useful and applicable lessons to daily life. It focused primarily on one-on-one therapy, and the diagnostic and coping practices for psychopathy. Especially while abroad, being able to practice meaningful introspection helped me be kind to myself and accept the lows of my journey when I was stressed or lonely, and celebrate the highs of my trip with my new friends.

When I arrived to USC again in the Fall, I had a new understanding of the world, of culture, and of indigenous livelihood that directly influenced my research interests. I joined two psychology labs where I study culturally influenced cognition and social identity, both of these topics clearly define the strong effect of our social environment on our thoughts, behaviors, and self-concepts. As a senior, I hope to continue investigating this area through the Fulbright Fellowship Program. I plan to work with Auckland University to study the impact of Māori and Pacific psychology on indigenous and immigrant identities in New Zealand. My time abroad makes me a strong applicant for that program and also gave me the conceptual foundation for the project. No matter what your plans are for the future, your time abroad provides transferable skills and a unique set of perspectives that are useful for problem solving and interpersonal relationships in any career.