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Dakota Sibbley's Story

Category: Study abroad student
Country: Austria

Written by: Dakota Sibbley

Dakota Sibbley points toward scenic mountains in Austria.
When I first heard about the trip to Austria, I said, "Wow, wouldn't that be the trip of a lifetime! Too bad I'd never be able to afford to go." As a single young mom of two girls and a full time student I felt like there was no way that I would be able to go, no way I could afford to do a trip half way across the world, but I applied just for the sake of applying. But little did I know that I would be asked to do a quick interview which led to me being one of the students chosen to study abroad, I was over the moon excited!! I decided once I had been chosen that I was not going to let anything stop me and that I was determined to fundraise what I needed to be able to hop aboard that plane and head halfway across the world, and that's exactly what I did. 

It's hard to put exactly into words what an experience studying abroad was truly like, it was amazing!! Meeting new people,  experiencing new cultures, new foods and having the opportunity to speak with people from all over the world and hear their point of views and how different their cultures are compared to our culture as Canadians was truly inspiring. The wisdom and knowledge shared over the week that we we're in Austria was truly inspiring and unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It reminded me that I do have a place in this world and that I can make a difference, and that my voice matters. At the beginning of this school year I was really struggling with my own mental health and this trip has changed my whole outlook on life and given me something I had lost along the way, hope. I met the most amazing group of students that I got to experience this trip of a lifetime with and it made the experience ten times better, we quickly went from strangers awkwardly meeting at the airport,to making friendships/connections that would last a life time and shedding tears as we went our separate ways upon returning home, I couldn't have asked for a better group of individuals to represent Nova Scotia with. 

I gained so many new skills during this amazing opportunity such as collaboration, team work, adapting to new places and new point of views. This experience has helped me become more confident in myself and my abilities to be out of my comfort zone, to push myself to do and try new things and to take risks because they are worth it. 
My advice? Just do it. Apply for it! and do not let anything stop you! 
If you get the opportunity to study abroad do it! You will not regret it!

I am so thankful for the opportunity to study abroad because it changed my outlook on life for myself and for the world. I was so lost before this trip, and it brought me back to myself - a better version of myself. I am forever grateful. Now that the jet lag has worn off and I am back to my regular routine, I cannot wait to share my stories and what I have learned, and inspire others around me, just as Austria inspired me. 

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