From Sobriety to Success: Fund Study in the Netherlands

My college journey began fifteen years ago, but it came to a halt when my struggles with depression and insecurities about my sexual identity took over my ambitions. As a result, I dropped out of college and spent most of my 20s isolating myself and engaging in destructive behavior.

About a year ago, as I turned 34, I celebrated two years of sobriety. My recovery was stabilizing, allowing me to mend relationships with friends and family that had previously deteriorated. I had come a long way from where I once was and was finally ready to focus on my personal future. With a renewed sense of self, I began to explore the possibility of returning to school and picking up where I had left off so many years ago.

Today, I am thriving in my second attempt at higher education. I completed my first semester with a 4.0 GPA and am committed to maintaining this level of achievement throughout my journey. My time at UMass Boston has not only deepened my academic pursuits but has also provided me with invaluable personal growth. I am incredibly grateful for every interaction I have had with fellow students and faculty, and I have felt tremendously welcomed and supported upon my return.

Education has become a personal passion that I cannot get enough of. Balancing full-time studies and full-time work keeps my plate full, but I feel fulfilled and energized, approaching each day with a sense of inspiration. While my focus is on school and work, I often have to forgo my desire to travel. However, there is nothing I truly enjoy more than exploring new countries and absorbing different cultures.

Perhaps it is destiny, but when I started looking into opportunities to combine study with travel, I stumbled upon the itinerary for the program on Sexual Communication in the Netherlands. As a psychology major with a minor in communications, the idea of spending a summer term in Amsterdam ignited many research questions regarding the Netherlands' culture in relation to my studies. How might Dutch societal norms influence self-compassion compared to mainstream American views? Beyond observing cultural differences in sexuality, I am also interested in the correlation between sexual freedoms, alcohol use, and mental health. Does a liberal view of sexuality enhance individuals’ overall self-acceptance? Is substance abuse as prevalent in a society that normalizes both sexuality and drinking culture?

Since I received my acceptance letter last summer, the return to college has opened many doors for me, and I am eternally appreciative for every opportunity presented. Participating in this program as I continue my educational journey into my senior year would be a true privilege and honor.