In a span of a month, I traveled between two continents, seven countries, and three time zones. I met people from all around the world, and experienced an amazing immersion in so many different cultures and ideas. While I thought traveling would make me a little ashamed of being from America, as we have the whole Trump fiasco and some may believe we are the reason for the extremism in the Middle East, I actually had a much different experience. I came out Europe proud to be an American, and here’s why:

1. I represented my country

When I first got to Europe, I spent my first two weeks taking a class at Oxford University. My program represented over 80 nationalities, and I was one of the only few Americans. It was the first time I sat at a table of 20 people and every single person was from a different country. I realized that these people looked at me as a representative of my country, as I looked to them to see how their character and perspectives may reflect on their country. I was on my best behavior. I suddenly felt a responsibility to reflect the manners and respect of my culture.

2. It made me critical, but also more understanding

I got to see America under a microscope, as people pointed out flaws in our government, policies, police, international affairs, and viewpoints. But after gaining a wider perspective on how other countries fit into the world, I started defending our place. Yes we have problems, but so does every country. The difference is, we are loud about it. While other countries may sweep scandals and problems away, we do not stand for it. Everyone here’s about our issues because we don’t back down and we demand change.

3. I missed home

I began to miss all that was familiar to me. I missed America.

4. I noticed the differences

I began to notice all the changes in culture and mannerisms and society, and while I was immensely excited to learn about different places, it made me see the effect of how I grew up and how it has shaped me. I became humbled to have grown up around so much opportunity.

5. I learned about the stereotypes people put on America

Apparently I am fat, and say y’all, and idolize the Kardashians, but I also come from a country of inspirational strength and courage.

6. I looked about my country through other people’s eyes

People were extremely critical of America and its place in world affairs, but as my friend put it, “as much as people criticize it, as soon as someone gets a job in the states they never come back.” We are still looked at as this golden place of opportunity and liberty; let’s keep it that way.

7. I became giddy whenever familiarity crept in

Oh, you're from America too? Where are you from? What school do you want to go to? Do you have any idea what A-levels are?

8. I stored new perspectives with me for when I got home

I am going home armed with and empowered by the stories I have heard of other people’s experiences. It has truly made me realize how lucky I am to live in a place where my voice is heard and everyone can make a difference.

9. I realized how big of an influence the USA really has

I thought getting out of America I would also stop being bombarded with election information. I was very wrong. The rest of the world cares, because the next president affects not only our country, but the rest of the globe.

10. It made me appreciate how we change

We adapt. When we see problems, we work to change them. Our government allows for adjustment to new times and new ideas. We, mostly, do not get stuck.

11. It made me appreciate when we don’t change

We may develop and grow, but we cling to our most basic ideals of liberty. That is the one thing we do not compromise, and I hope that we will never compromise.

12. I realized what America meant to the rest of the world

Most people truly look at us as inspiring, hard working, maybe a little uncultured, but very free. While the rest of the world does see our struggles and is aware of our many flaws, the big picture is a place of hope and opportunity.

13. I internalized what the American dream stood for

The American dream means that everybody, no matter who you are, no matter where you come from, or look like, or believe, is able to work hard and become successful. While there are some kinks to this, such as the gender pay gap, the high price of education, or social class disparity, we have a deeply ingrained vision that we constantly fight to uphold.

14. I appreciated our countries immense pride

We are a very patriotic country. For example, we say the pledge every day at school, most students understand the three branches of our government and recite the preamble, and most of us know an assortment of dozens of patriotic songs. We are proud, and we should be.

15. I came to realize how important our diversity truly is

We are diverse. Not just in race and religion, but in thought. While this may seem like it can hold as back and separate us at times, I think it propels us forward. The fact that we are allowed to have opinions all across the spectrum is another set of checks and balances to make sure that everyone has a voice.

16. It made me proud of our educational system

We have this awesome system of learning where you can explore your interests and there is no immense pressure to figure out what you want to do until you are in college. We learn a broad spectrum of subjects giving us a population with a diverse educational background, which ideally helps everyone be able to participate in our democracy.

17. I came to realize that maybe out media wasn’t that bad

Yes, the media promotes stereotypes and takes things out of context and exaggerates, but I am thankful that we have the right to be informed and have a media that reports what is going on, so that we can hopefully make more informed decisions.

18. I realized where my home would always be

I loved traveling. But I will always feel at home in America.

19. It made me immensely proud, humbled, and thankful to be an American

When I said I was from the New York City area, people’s eyes lit up. And I am well aware that America isn’t perfect. I am well aware of our issues and struggles and how privileged I am to have gotten my experience in America, but I am so, so happy to live where I do. Thank you, America.