noroc, românia!

I have been deciding whether or not this is the craziest thing I’ve ever done. As a former small business owner, I experienced my fair share of adventures navigating entrepreneurship. I also moved solo across the country because I wanted a change of pace. Working in the hospitality industry in Portland, Oregon during COVID was both chaotic and challenging, and I even completed a 50 mile race, just because. But this? This actually might top the list.

This journey began when I decided to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership at Gonzaga University. In March 2024, I took a class in Brussels and participated in the Brussels European Forum, debating alongside of other international students on policies and global challenges. That sparked my desire to declare a Global Leadership concentration so I could continue to expand and research global policies. In September, my advisor shared the Erasmus scholarship information with our Brussels cohort and I couldn’t help but think, “What an awesome opportunity!”

When I committed to getting my master’s, I knew I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity that I could. Getting this degree is a huge personal investment and I was drawn to this specific program because of all the unique experiences they offer. I had no idea that I could travel abroad as a master’s student and there were so many interesting classes and immersions to choose from. It felt aligned because I could easily balance having a full-time job with getting a degree and also save up PTO to do these experiences. Gonzaga has been a perfect fit.

Fast forward to September 2024, and I found myself feeling a bit lost in my career. After losing the best job I ever had during COVID, I feel like I have been struggling to find my purpose. I had just started a new job, but it quickly became clear that it wasn’t the right fit for me. Then I discovered the Erasmus+ scholarship, which welcomed applications from all educational levels. Initially, I was skeptical—surely they wouldn’t choose someone like me! I talked myself out of applying altogether.

But then, a conversation with a dear friend changed everything. She encouraged me to take a leap of faith, reminding me, “You never know what will happen.” Inspired by her words, I decided to embrace the application process as a valuable experience, regardless of the outcome. I was determined to make my letter of intent shine, knowing that my resume, filled with a variety of past roles, was a bit chaotic. I delved into researching a part of the world I hadn’t explored before, pouring that newfound passion into my letter.

I learned that Romania’s culture and history are remarkably rich and diverse, shaped by a wide array of influences over the centuries. The region was initially inhabited by the Dacians, an Indo-European people who established a powerful kingdom before their conquest by the Roman Empire in 106 AD. This conquest played a pivotal role in shaping Romanian identity, evident in the language and various cultural practices and traditions.

Throughout its history, Romania comprised several principalities, including Transylvania, Wallachia, and Moldavia. The country faced invasions from various groups, notably the Mongols in the 13th century, followed by the Ottomans. Each of these incursions left a lasting impact on the local culture. Byzantine influences are particularly pronounced in art, architecture, and religious practices, notably in church decorations and liturgical music, while Slavic contributions are reflected in vocabulary and folk music.

Transylvania, historically part of the Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian empires, showcases a unique blend of Romanian and Hungarian cultures apparent in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. Moreover, the Ottoman Empire’s influence is visible in Romanian cuisine, architectural styles, and certain cultural practices, especially in the southern regions of the country. Together, these diverse influences weave a rich cultural tapestry that highlights Romania’s complex history and regional diversity.

Given Romania’s rich history, it seems like an incredible place to explore and meet new people. After submitting my application for the scholarship, I tried to keep my expectations in check. On Halloween, I received an email regarding the scholarship. I initially skimmed through it—no one enjoys reading a rejection letter. However, as I glanced over the content, it didn’t seem like a rejection; in fact, it felt quite optimistic. I decided to read it more carefully, and to my astonishment, I learned I had been awarded the scholarship! I was going to Romania! This meant I needed to leave my job, my husband, and my beloved pets for five months to focus on studying, researching, and volunteering. It was both exhilarating and daunting. After all, I’m 37 years old, with a husband, a job, bills, and responsibilities—this is crazy, right?

The process of getting to this point has been difficult to navigate. Honestly, there have been moments of doubt and a healthy amount of imposter syndrome to go along with that. I am wondering what I am doing, what sort of meaning I can create out of this. But at the same time, I know that I received something special and unique. Not many adults can just pick up and go and I acknowledge that. I know that I was given a gift and I need to take this wonderful opportunity and make the most of it.

You get tested the most when it’s time for you to elevate.
Do not break.

@thegoodquote

So what am I doing in Romania? I’m excited to embark on a journey of studying public communication, human rights, and advocacy at the West University of Timișoara, while also volunteering with several organizations. In addition to my academic pursuits, I’ll be exploring Eastern Europe through my passion for running. I’ve signed up for half-marathons in Timișoara, Budapest, and Bucharest, and I plan to volunteer with the organizing committees of these races as well.

As a lifelong runner, I believe in the power of sport to transcend language, fostering connections among people of diverse cultures, religions, and backgrounds. I’m eager to immerse myself in the local running community and share my experiences through this blog, all while working on my final capstone project. My schedule will be packed with studying, researching, and giving back to the global running community through both service and celebration. After all, every athlete deserves recognition and celebration for their remarkable personal achievements.

Please join me along the way as I share my thoughts and experiences on this wonderful and wild journey I am about to embark on! Together let’s lift a glass and say, “Noroc, Romania!”