When I first applied to the program, it was because I was rejected from another one, and I had to quickly pivot if I wanted to get outside of the United States. I had a friend who had studied in Amsterdam the year prior and had amazing things to say. I chose this program because being part of the queer community, I wanted to learn more about it. I never really threw myself out there, and what better place than Amsterdam? From the orientation week we had, I was already making conversation with both students and admin alike, it was a nice transition from the United States to something completely new. Once classes started, it felt like a nice ritual. Wake up, take the metro, go to class, see your friends and classmates, and learn about theories you have never even thought about before. In between classes, the amazing diva program coordinator, Emily Bulato, would take us on site visits or bring guest lectures, which would further our understanding of what it means to live in the Netherlands. Ahmed will cook meals twice a week and provide such delicious tastes to your palate. Jonathan will always look out for you, and have so much to say on queer theory and film. Fiona helps with resources, but also has so much to say. Also, you get to go on a two-week excursion to Morocco? I feel like this was actually my favorite part of the whole program, being able to be with your cohort and explore a country much different than the Netherlands. From the beaches, to the food, to the guest lectures and site visits, it was a break that gave me so much emotion. In the four-week period, I was able to work on my own time, watch plays on the SIT dime, and write a paper I could have never even imagined writing. All of this culminated in what was the best 104 days of my college experience, and if I could do it all over again, I would. Granted a huge part of it was the students who were with me as well, but it was amazing. I truly am glad I was rejected from that program, because had I known what could have been... I would have been devastated.
