I am incredibly excited and feel immensely blessed that I have the opportunity to travel abroad during college. In just over a week, my university's a cappella and chamber choirs, along with a few traveling members of our orchestra, will embark on an eight day performing tour of Warsaw and Krakow, Poland.
Not only will we get to get to share the international joy and language of music, but we will also be able to communicate what it means to be an American to international hosts.
There are some pretty (admittedly) hysterical stereotypes on what it means to be an American... We eat way too much fast food, we have some pretty vocal and boisterous politicians, we're consumed by our phones, we ride horses to and from school in the West. However, there are some things I do not want to be considered when I travel abroad, including greedy and self-indulged, to name a few.
Here are some adjectives I definitely want to be considered when I travel abroad, and I hope to communicate these traits not only through music but also through a language that surpasses borders: compassion.
1. Kind
Americans are often stereotyped as being self-centered and pretty greedy (I mean, we do have ridiculous Black Friday sales and mobs right after a day when we express how grateful we are for everything we already have...) I want to be perceived as a kind person: kind-hearted, kind-spirited, and kind-minded.
2. Giving
As an American abroad, I want to be considered giving. I want to share my knowledge and perspective when it's needed or asked. I want to share my curious nature and learn about all I can about different people, different lifestyles, and different perspectives. I want to give compassion and hospitality as much if not more than what I graciously receive.
3. Willing
Sometimes, Americans are stereotyped as being stuck in their ways. This is how we do it in 'Murica... Yeah, no. I want to be considered as someone who is a go with the flow type of person. I want to be willing to learn how things are done in a different country, in a different lifestyle. I want to learn and I want to understand; I want to be willing to put myself out there.
4. Compassionate
While studying abroad, I have the unique opportunity to sing, rehearse, collaborate, and perform with international musicians. I want to share with them not only my compassion for performing, but also my compassion for others. I have this intensely strong passion for all peoples in all countries, and I want to share that compassion with my new companions- wherever I travel.
5. Forgiving
Okay, let's get one thing straight: Learning a new language, especially when your first (and only) language is English, is extremely difficult. Chances are, I'm going to absolutely butcher your language. And chances are, you're going to butcher mine as well. I hope to be perceived as a forgiving person- forgiving to not only your blunders and mistakes, but forgiving and compassionate towards my own linguistic and culture mishaps.
6. Intelligent
Americans can sometimes be perceived as stupid... And it's not too hard to understand why when you see the twitter feed of famous celebrities and politicians. However, when I'm abroad, I hope to be perceived as intelligent. I want to share my knowledge of my country with you, as well as excitedly receive the knowledge you have. I may not be able to give you an entire history and backstory of the entire United States of America, but I can give you my personal perspective.
7. Confident
I want to be perceived as a confident individual when traveling abroad. I don't want to be perceived as arrogant or cocky, but I also want to know how to do basic things- order food at a restaurant, say "hello" and "pardon me," ask for directions- and fake it 'till I make it.
8. Conservative
As an individual, I am pretty liberal in my thoughts, words, actions, and dress. I like being loud and proud, and often am. However, when traveling abroad, I want to be perceived as conservative; I don't want to be one of those "loud Americans," or a "mover and shaker;" these have negative connotations. I want to work towards the common good and comfort of all when I'm abroad, and if that means toning it down a little bit, then so be it.
9. Open
I consider myself to be a pretty open-minded individual, and I want to be considered as such even more so abroad. I do not want to be stuck in my own ways and my own perspectives, but rather I want to be open to new ideals, activities, lifestyles, and customs.
10. Friendly
They say that a smile is an international and universal language; I want to give and receive many smiles and laughs with our international hosts. I want to give the idea that Americans are friendly and open people, ready to excitedly embrace and accept differences in perspectives and cultures.
I hope and pray that through my actions and interactions with international hosts, I will be able to embody all of these traits. I can't wait to share the international language of music through kind and friendly compassion! Podzielmy międzynarodowego języka muzyki przez miły i przyjazny współczucia!
