The study-abroad program led me to St. Olaf, and I was fortunate to study abroad three times — two J-terms and one semester abroad. While I had traveled throughout North America prior to attending St. Olaf, I had not been overseas. These opportunities not only gave me a permanent travel bug, but instilled the importance of cross-cultural communication, collaboration, and service.

Fast forward to 20 years after my final St. Olaf study-abroad experience in spring 2004, and I have traveled to all 50 states and seven continents for work and personal travel. Honing the life lessons and skills St. Olaf’s study-abroad program afforded me, I have been fortunate to work overseas and work with international colleagues in the U.S. and abroad — even running into fellow Oles while working in South Africa.

Thank you, St. Olaf, and here is to many more years of international impact and lifelong learning!