As my time at UMass is coming to an end, I’m both excited and anxious about my graduation. Sending out job applications and trying to metaphorically sell myself to potential employers has made me evaluate exactly what my education has provided me with and how well prepared for the professional world I am. Although hindsight is 20/20, there are a few things I would have done differently if given the change to “re-do” college.

1. Go to career services my  freshman year.  I spent 75% of my time in college thinking I was going to be a Spanish teacher. Because of this, I didn’t take advantage of internship opportunities or certain resume builders that would have benefited me in the long run. I also put off taking advantage of UMass’ career resources until my senior year. My advice to incoming Spanish majors would be to make an appointment with Career Services regardless of whether or not you know what you want to do. They will ensure you do not miss opportunities and plan your four years responsibly and accordingly.
2. Study abroad for a year (if you can manage it academically). As a Spanish major and Economics minor, I could have swung staying in Spain for the whole year. I had considered it my sophomore year, but decided against it given how apprehensive I was about the whole experience. A year sounds like a long time away from home, friends, and UMass, but the time  you are abroad FLIES. Especially if you want to come back completely fluent in the language. Personally, I felt like I had just become completely adjusted and made substantial connections in Granada when I had to go home.
   3. Join a gym/team/club abroad that is not affiliated with your study abroad group or program. As a powerlifter, one of my primary concerns in Spain was finding a place to train. As soon as I arrived in Granada, I went hunting for gyms. Although the one I eventually joined was not exactly what I was hoping for, it got the job done. Over the course of my 5 months in Granada, I met more people and made more connections in the gym than I did anywhere else. In fact, I probably spent more time socializing than I did training, but I formed multiple meaning, lasting relationships. People were eager to come up to me to see where I was from, practice English, or just strike up conversation. Not only was it a great place to practice my Spanish, it allowed me to break away from my American friends and API group. In my experience, many students had a hard time immersing themselves and speaking exclusively Spanish because they were always with their American friends and going to the American/International bars and clubs. Both me and my friend that opted to join a local Ultimate Frisbee team had similarly experiences and sentiments about getting out of our comfort zones. At times it can feel hard to forge friendships with locals, but getting away from Americans in a gym/team setting can be the best way to do so.