When Clarissa Treviño set off for Japan, she knew she was stepping into a world very different from her own. What she didn’t know was how deeply the experience would challenge her, inspire her, and reshape the way she approached new opportunities.
Her favorite memory? The unforgettable Fushimi Inari hike, a three-hour climb through thousands of iconic red torii gates.
The rain fell steadily that day, a gentle rhythm on her umbrella as birds called from the misty trees. The stone stairs seemed endless, but with each step, she reflected on her Eastern Religions class, connecting lessons to her own values. Reaching the top of Mount Inari felt like more than a physical achievement; it was a moment of gratitude, marked by a prayer for health for herself and her family. The descent was slower, calmer, and filled with quiet appreciation for the lush scenery shared with friends.
But it wasn’t just the hike that made Japan a transformative experience, it was Clarissa’s openness to trying everything. From eating runny eggs over rice every morning to walking for hours, visiting public baths, and embracing new cultural norms, she surprised herself with how quickly she adapted. “Back at home, I rarely try new things,” she admitted. “In Japan, I said yes to almost every experience.”
It wasn’t all easy. There were moments of culture shock, logistical challenges, and the inevitable discomforts of being far from home. Yet Clarissa learned to listen to her needs, taking a quiet walk, calling family, or simply sitting outside to breathe. “I realized I can’t control everything, but I can control my own actions,” she reflected. “And I’m proud of how I stayed in tune with myself.”
By the time she boarded her flight home, she was already planning her return. Japan had become more than a place on a map: it was a part of her personal and professional future. She now sees herself as a traveler who can adapt, connect, and thrive in new environments – an invaluable mindset she’ll carry into her career and beyond.
Clarissa’s story is a reminder for faculty leaders: study abroad isn’t just about academics, it’s about creating life-changing moments that empower students to say “yes” to the unfamiliar and return home with the confidence to face any challenge.
