As the days are counting down until I finally board that plane and start my journey to Bielefeld, Germany, a couple questions may rise. Why did I choose to study abroad? Why Germany? Why the DAAD?
I chose to study abroad for the same reason many people have; to experience new cultures while expanding my professional experiences as well. This is an amazing opportunity to grow both socially and academically.
I chose to apply for the DAAD program because of my heritage and the amazing experience offered by the organization. Many of my ancestors (I think it's safe to say most of them) are from Germany (hence the last name) and I have always wanted to go to Germany to see where my family originated from. This program has given me the opportunity to do so as well as work in the field I love.
The DAAD is the German Academic Exchange Service that works closely with students from around the world and Germany to bridge young minds motivated in academics. RISE is only one of the programs the organization produces. This specific program matches students from the UK, Ireland, Canada, and the US to German graduate students. The two can then work together in the labs to complete the graduate student's research.
I hope this time abroad will lead to amazing experiences and memories in an entirely new country and the field I enjoy. I truly enjoy working in labs and my initial training for this new research has made me extremely excited to begin working.
May 28th: I leave for Frankfurt, Germany
June 1st: I arrive in Bielefeld, Germany
June 4th: I begin working at Universitat Bielefeld
When I was taking this picture with the real camera, a lady came up to me asking about the camera and if I liked it in German. The different language is definitely difficult to manage around but luckily all of the people I have encountered, including this stranger, speaks English as well as German. 
I found a little friend!
The "exotic" tropical plant section reminded me of home <3
The building itself was gorgeous
It's not a Kali trip without seeing some dinosaurs!
They had a huge diversity of birds
I thought this was interesting because I've never seen many of these animals before (Tasmanian Devil, echidna, etc.)
Dunkleosteus fossil cast
Skyline from Skyline Garden
Skyline Garden selfie
Frankfurt Train Station
Statue of Justice
Inside St. Paul's Cathedral
This painting was about 15ft tall
Still in St. Paul's Cathedral
I love cathedrals... is that obvious?
