SiS Newsletter - November 2011 - SIS S. A.: Diana Waldron

Diana Waldron

¡Hola!

My name is Diana Waldron and I am a Study in Spain Student Ambassador at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

I was sitting in the airport in my hometown of Orlando, Florida, in January 2011, holding all of the possessions I would need for the next six months in two giant duffle bags. I was on my way to study in Alicante, Spain for the semester. I felt so nervous and uncertain, and scared to be so far away from my family and friends. I questioned if I made the right decision, if I was going to be homesick, and if I was going to be happy in my new city. I didn’t know it then, but I was setting out on the most exciting and rewarding journey of my life so far.

Studying abroad in Alicante is the best decision I made in my entire college career. I had the great fortune of living with a wonderful Spanish host mom, María Ángeles. I was her first host student, and she opened me into her household with open arms and a warm heart.

Every Sunday, María Ángeles would take me for a drive in her car to a new part of the city, or to one of the neighboring towns. She introduced me to her family and friends, who were all so kind and welcoming to me. She helped me with my Spanish, correcting me when I was wrong but always encouraging me to keep trying. She made me feel so comfortable and cared for in a very far away place, and inspired in me the love she felt for her country.

I am extremely happy I made the decision to study in Alicante. I learned so much not only about the people and culture of Spain, but I also learned a lot about myself. I cherish the time I spent there and with my Spanish familia, and will never forget the experiences I had and friends I made.

Spain is a part of me now, and according to María Ángeles, I will always be an Alicantina.