As my favorite teacher always said, "It's all about perspective."

A few years back, when I first set out for college, I experienced the greatest shock I'd ever felt. I realized that in my years and years of small Catholic schools, I'd been in a tiny bubble. Although I don't have any regrets about this and appreciate my experiences, I had no idea what I was in for when venturing outside of my community. That was probably the most difficult part of transitioning from high school to college. Although both schools were Catholic, in college I was surrounded by people with various ideas and faiths, and it was something I was not used to.

Eventually, I became used to meeting people with different political and religious beliefs but still chose to surround myself with people who were at least somewhat similar to myself in how they view the world. I had a pretty closed mind and stuck with what I was comfortable with.

When I was given the opportunity to study abroad in a different country, I was comforted by the fact that one of my best friends would be going with me and I would have a constant source of familiarity all the way through. When I arrived, however, I realized that the way I had been closing off from other perspectives had been all wrong. Nearly everyone I met had different views than me, and I worked very hard to ask questions and listen. Instead of fighting what they thought, I learned and asked about the reasoning behind their beliefs and the way they view life. My friends from the U.S. and I found so much enjoyment in just talking to people about their lives and their thoughts. It made me question why I never bothered to listen more carefully when the situation presented itself in the U.S.

Everyone I meet, whether they be from Italy, Ireland, or the UK, all have slightly different outlooks and views, and that is a beautiful thing. It means that we can constantly learn, be interested, and grow. Different countries have varying practices, school systems, and cultures, and to ignore this fact and only let yourself experience one is not really living life to the fullest. There is so much you could miss out on by sticking to what you know.

I have a friend who grew up on a farm, one who grew up in Dublin city, and one who grew up in the absolute middle of nowhere - all from Ireland. They have been shaped by completely different experiences, memories, and families. This is, of course, the same for many in the states, but there is something about people from other parts of the world that you can't experience from a homegrown American. They have different laws, expectations, and cultural norms. It is an adventure and a privilege to find new friends and learn from them.

No matter where you are, or what you are currently doing in your life, make it a priority to stay open-minded and meet new people with new views. Be a good listener and ask questions. Travel, explore, and (while staying safe) introduce yourself to those you meet along the way. If you don't, you could miss out on getting the full spectrum of perspectives of the world. Don't keep your vision partial. Open yourself up to more.

You could be missing out on the world, exciting cultures, fresh perspectives, or even some potential best friends...