Growing up in a small rural town, I’ve lived a pretty familiar life. I went to the same schools with the same people, and my family has stuck to a routine that feels safe and comfortable. While there’s a lot to appreciate about the stability that comes with living in one place for so long, I’ve come to realize that I’ve missed out on something important—true cultural immersion.
When I think about cultural experiences, I’m often reminded of the fact that I haven’t truly experienced much diversity. My idea of trying something new has been limited to going to the same “Mexican” restaurants around town, where the menu hardly changes, and the food is tailored to what’s expected in a rural Wisconsin town rather than an authentic taste of Mexico. Beyond that, I’ve never really had the chance to dive into the traditions, languages, and customs of other cultures in a meaningful way.
Part of this is because of the environment I’ve grown up in, but it’s also deeply tied to my family’s own experiences. My parents, like many in our town, never had the chance to travel far or explore cultures outside of what was available nearby. They’ve primarily lived in Wisconsin most of their life, and have lived in Manitowoc for over 2 decades. For them, life was about working hard, supporting my 2 brothers and twin sister, and finding happiness in the simple things close to home. Travel and cultural immersion weren’t a priority because they weren’t options. As much as they dreamed of seeing the world, life’s realities meant they stayed where they were most familiar.
That sense of being rooted in one place has shaped a lot of who I am, and in some ways, I’m grateful for it. I’ve learned to appreciate the importance of family, community, and consistency. But at the same time, I’ve grown more aware of how much is out there that I’ve yet to experience. There’s a whole world of languages, people, and perspectives that I’ve only ever seen on TV, in class, or in books. My parents didn’t get the opportunity to travel or immerse themselves in other cultures, but I want to live that dream not only for myself but for them as well.
One of the reasons I’m so passionate about cultural immersion now is that I’ve come to understand just how much I’ve missed by staying in my comfort zone. I want to challenge myself to see the world in new ways, to experience things that are unfamiliar, and to grow as a person because of it. Cultural immersion isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about fully stepping into another way of life—learning the language, understanding the customs, and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
That’s why I’m so excited about the opportunity to go to France for 10 days. It’s a chance for me to break free from the routine I’ve known for so long and dive into something completely new. I’ll be staying in a place where the language, the food, the traditions, and even the everyday interactions will challenge me to think differently and see the world in a broader way. France, for me, isn’t just about learning and using the French language, though that’s a big part of it—it’s about finally getting the cultural immersion I’ve been craving, the chance to see what life is like outside of my small town.
While I’m looking forward to this adventure for my own sake, I also feel like I’m living this experience for my parents. They worked hard to give me the life I have, and while they couldn’t travel or explore different cultures, I can. By going to France, I’m not just fulfilling my own dreams of cultural immersion, but also realizing a piece of the life they never got to have. It’s a way of honoring them and carrying their hopes and dreams with me as I embark on this new journey.
I know that stepping into a new culture will come with its challenges. There will be moments where I feel out of place, where I struggle with the language, or where I don’t fully understand the customs. But that’s exactly why I want to do it. I want to be uncomfortable. I want to be challenged. Because I know that through those experiences, I’ll grow into a more empathetic, open-minded, and well-rounded person.
Cultural immersion is important for everyone, no matter where you come from. For those of us who’ve lived in more rural communities, it’s even more essential. We need to push ourselves to see beyond what we’ve known our whole lives. The world is so much bigger than the bubble we grew up in, and there’s so much to learn from stepping outside of it. For me, this journey to France is the start of that transformation, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.