Reflection

I started writing my experiential learning application while flying to Denmark. Here, thousands
of miles from home, I wrote that I wanted to "break free from my comfort zone, build
community with others, and reflect on my goals as a student and person". Three weeks later, I
am still processing the many lessons I learned, but I did accomplish these goals.
Three weeks went by fast. Most days were packed with museum tours, university lectures, and
interactions with activists. While each day varied, almost every activity related to Denmark's
colonial history and community of artists. I rarely travel, so I was surprised by how calm I was in
a new environment. Although I'm an introvert, I challenged myself to join in on group excursions
and take advantage of the experiences available in Copenhagen and Århus. Immersing myself in
topics I do not usually study forced me to reflect rather than observe. Instead of walking by a
portrait at the National Museum or a chair at the West Indian Warehouse, I was challenged to
question what story was not being told. While most tourists come to Denmark for the famous
statues and landmarks, our class studied the topics of slavery and race rarely discussed in Danish
institutions.
Studying abroad also changed my view of Honors. While I appreciated the range of classes
available, the interdisciplinary aspect of Honors was usually an afterthought in my education.
While I have met students with different interests through Honors courses, we typically share
common goals and experiences as 18- to 22-year-olds navigating college. I did not experience
how interdisciplinarity could change my perspective until I studied abroad. Our Denmark class
consisted of library science master's students, a Swedish language student, and undergraduates
studying informatics, biology, and anthropology. Just in my hostel room, four roommates
differed in age by three decades and four areas of study. I met online students from across the
country who had never visited the Seattle campus. I learned about millennial pop culture as well
as the superpowers of librarians. Each student came from a different place, but we bonded
through shared adventures. Through trips to amusement parks, the ballet, and gelato runs along
the canal, we built a community.
As one of only five undergraduates, I had to get used to being labeled the biology student. Before
the trip, I struggled to stand out in classes filled with hundreds of students studying the same
subject. In this high-paced environment, I often found myself doubting whether I belonged in the
space of students who has a passion for science. However, by spending time with students
outside of my major, I realized how much knowledge I have gained at UW. At the Århus
botanical garden or Copenhagen Zoo, I could apply what I had learned to another country's
science. While eating smørrebrød in a floating restaurant, I could even finish a debate about
whether an oyster is an animal (it is). Overall, studying a subject I knew little about inspired me
to strive to be more than a biology student. Before traveling to Denmark, I did not know it was
the seventh largest slave trading region with colonies ranging from Greenland to India and the
Caribbean. I did not know Danish artists were being silenced for recognizing the country's
colonial past and Neo Nazis were as present in Scandinavia as they are in the U.S. I did not even
know librarians needed master's degrees.
I want to continue learning beyond my major. One concept I will try to apply to my daily life is
"restivism". While meeting with the founder of F.eks, a non-profit foundation promoting Danish
artists, I learned about artist Rodrigo Ghattas-Perez. He encourages the practice of "restivism",
which combats the idea in modern society that a person's worth stems from their productivity.
Instead, individuals are reminded to value rest. Rather than trying to fill a resume with an
overloaded schedule, in my final year at UW I will try to practice restivism and embrace new
experiences.