Written by: Abby Kurek | Fall 2024
Butler Semester in Spain
Dear Past Abby,
Studying abroad was the best decision you could have ever made. I remember how scared you were to sign the papers, committing to another country with limited travel experience and fears about speaking Spanish. I remember the anxiety as you drove on the highway three days before leaving, only to receive an email saying your host family had switched. You had already built a picture in your mind of what life with them would be like in Spain. (By the way, let’s work on not checking your phone, even at red lights) Those emotions were valid and understandable, but as you’ll soon discover, you had nothing to worry about.
You survived the airports, navigated new places, and spoke Spanish with the people of Spain. You even used your Spanish in Italy when you found yourself stranded in Naples for an hour. Your host mom turned out to be an incredible woman. 
She redid your entire room before your arrival and retired from her cooking job during your first week there, meaning you always had amazing meals and the chance to bond over your shared transitions. You’ll treasure her quirks, like the way she’d say “Siiiiii” in a drawn-out tone when something was obvious. You’ll also meet your originally assigned host mom, and she’ll be lovely. After your graduation, you’ll talk with her for four and a half hours, catching up on your lives as if you’d lived in her house the entire time.
You experienced so many firsts. You flew overseas, explored European countries, joined a pub crawl and a booze cruise, and stayed in a hostel during your second weekend abroad. You navigated public transportation like a pro—well, except for the time you got stuck in a train door and earned the nickname ATD, or when you missed the last metro of the night. You saw your first professional musical (Mamma Mia!), rode a rollercoaster for the first time, and did countless things that would surprise even you.
But the most important parts of this journey weren’t the adventures—it was the growth, the family you built, and the memories that will stay with you forever.
Your Spanish skills improved, even though there were moments when you doubted it. You’ll panic over your first bad midterm grade, only to ace the final. Your confidence will grow in ways you won’t always notice at first. You’ll become more comfortable with yourself, letting the world see the real you, thanks in part to the bond you form with nine strangers who also took the leap to study in Spain. Together, you’ll make crazy memories—some you might regret, but they’ll make great stories in the end. You’ll lean on each other in tough times and lift each other up when needed.
Your camera roll will overflow with photos, each one sparking a smile when you look back. You won’t be able to imagine life without this experience. You won’t be able to picture a world where you didn’t meet Miss Miss, Jessy Wessy, Sack, Treb, Kanga, Gnat, Paylo, Gabs, or Chicle.Thankfully, you’ll never have to. The memories and the people will stay with you for the rest of your life.
I’m proud of us. Know everything happens for a reason and embrace what is thrown at you.
-Future Abby