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by Deena S. YES Abroad 2021-2022 Jordan

Be curious, not judgmental were among the many words of wisdom from Stanford University President Johnathan Levin’s address to me and the rest of the freshmen class two months ago. I was one of 1,700 students in the crowd listening to him, yet while many of my peers were hearing these words for the first time, I had had the unique opportunity to live by them before ever stepping foot at Stanford.

Just three years earlier, I had set off on a journey that would vastly change the way that I viewed the world and people around me. Studying abroad as a high school sophomore in Amman, Jordan was incredible and truly allowed me to immerse myself in a completely different culture, navigate the unfamiliar, and embrace diverse perspectives. It was there that I discovered that curiosity–about people, places, and the ideas around me–was more than a mindset, but rather a way of being. The value of going abroad does not lie solely in resume building or academic experiences, but also in the multitude of opportunities to learn through real-world experiences. From engaging with local communities to exploring the complexities of global issues, this program abroad allowed me to embody the philosophy that President Levin spoke about.

It is our curiosity that makes us well-rounded people and students. Many worry that going abroad will be a hindrance to their academic success, but it is quite the opposite. As a current student at Stanford, I can attest to the fact that my experiences abroad helped me immensely in my academic career. By encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone at every turn, going abroad molded me into a person that is willing to work hard and be flexible in tough situations, be it a group project or research paper. Yes, you may miss an AP class that you thought you just had to take at a particular time (I missed out on AP calculus!), or you may take classes that are seemingly useless to you (Religion taught in Quranic Arabic, anyone?). I had the same thoughts on my mind prior to my departure date, but I quickly learned that the unexpected challenges and moments of discomfort were, in fact, the most valuable lessons. The absence of certain academic classes did not make me any less prepared for the future; in fact, it opened up new dimensions of learning. The missed calculus class was soon forgotten. The teacher of the religion class, who spoke no English, worked with me to develop beginner-level Arabic assignments and exams specifically for me. And the classes taken in Jordan opened my eyes to the richness of perspectives beyond what I had previously been exposed to.

These experiences became integral to the way I approached my studies, both in high school after returning from Jordan and now at university. The insights I gained from living in Amman expanded my understanding of global issues, from the political dynamics in the Middle East to the intersection of culture and religion. I flourished into a person brimming with curiosity and passion for all of my endeavors. The discomfort I initially felt in Jordan transformed into an asset, helping me embrace the idea that growth is nonlinear and comes from navigating uncertainty. The lessons I learned–whether walking the vibrant streets of Amman, engaging with the fruit vendor in my neighborhood, or cooking with my host mother–are ones that cannot be replicated in a classroom or anywhere else. These experiences shaped my ability to adapt, to listen, and to ask deep and nuanced questions. I truly believe that these lessons are the ones that will continue to guide and inform my academic and personal growth for years to come.

Despite the worries I had about missing certain academic milestones, I still managed to graduate as valedictorian of my high school class. I still took all the AP and IB classes I needed. At the end of the day, my academic journey continued right where I had left off when I returned home. However, I came back with a unique perspective and a new skill set—curiosity, empathy, and adaptability—that standardized tests cannot measure and that continue to deeply impact my academic success. Going abroad did not pull me away from my academic track—it helped me see that track from a wider perspective. It encouraged me to be open to new ideas, to step outside of my comfort zone, and to approach life with a sense of curiosity that remains at the core of everything I do. Today, for example, I am part of Stanford’s Cardinal Calypso steel pan band. I had never played Caribbean steel pans before coming to university—but my curiosity led me to try something entirely new, and it has become one of the highlights of my college experience.

I truly hope that you, too, will embrace the power of curiosity as you navigate the times ahead. The experiences that shape us are often the ones that push us past our limits and challenge our preconceived notions. Curiosity is not only seeking answers, but being willing to ask compelling questions, to listen with an open mind, and to engage with the world in ways that allow us to grow as individuals. Whether it’s navigating a foreign culture, trying out a new academic class, or learning from people with perspectives vastly different from our own, curiosity has the potential to transform us into more empathetic, adaptable, and well-rounded individuals. I encourage you to stay curious, remain open to new experiences, and be unafraid to challenge yourself.