We had heard nothing but good things from the group of students who traveled to Cardiff four years ago.
The expectations were high. As we walked onto the bus, many of us wondered if the trip would live up to those expectations. That question was answered very quickly. It was a resounding yes!
The moment we stepped off the plane in Cardiff, we felt engrained in the culture. We were greeted by many kind faces. If they weren’t asking about our American accents, the people of Wales took the time to fully introduce us to the world they live in.
It was extraordinary to feel accepted into a new world so quickly. As each day went on, the Welsh DNA began to become a part of me more and more.
From exploring the city of Cardiff, to traveling to the Gower Peninsula, to taking a train to England, to getting to tell some of the most inspiring stories that Cardiff Metropolitan University has to offer, the experience was truly unforgettable.
The day trips we went on were incredible. The scenic views were truly breathtaking and getting to see such beautiful sights with some of my best friends by my side is something that I am extremely grateful for.
Even the small moments, like playing intense card games with friends are memories that I find myself laughing at weeks after our return.
These small moments were quickly followed up with big ones. In these times, I often found that my brain would freeze to take a mental photo and process how blessed I was to be receiving the opportunities that I was.
It just goes to show how far storytelling can take you. Stories are what provided me the chance to travel overseas for the first time in my college life. Stories allowed me to connect with a new group of people. They showed me how quickly a bond can be forged with people you know nothing about.
I am forever thankful for the story I was able to tell while in Cardiff. The story of James Ledger is one of the most inspiring that I have come across in my time telling stories. Watching the pure grit and determination of an athlete competing for the Olympics helped me realize what it takes to succeed in my own life.
James is one of the many people that welcomed me into Cardiff with open arms. When saying goodbye to James, the fantastic people at Cardiff Met, and all the others I met along the way, I knew that even if we never meet again, we will be bonded forever.
Each and every memory that I found on my trek across this new country will always hold a special place in my heart.
Our time in Wales lasted only about 12 days. In the grand scale of life, that time is short. It was just a tiny fragment of my existence. What I have realized since my return to the United States is that where we physically are in the world is not the most important thing. There is so much more to it.
Even in the States, I have brought a part of Wales home with me. It will be tucked into the back of my brain for as long as I live. The lessons I learned, the memories I made, and the people I met will always be with me when I need to rely on them.
The 12 days where we found ourselves in Wales may be over, but I hold on to one fact. The group of students that traveled to Cardiff were not just Welsh for the dozen days we spent in the world of Wales.
Thanks to Transatlantic Storytelling, we are Welsh for the rest of our lives!
