Blog 6: Mrs. Hardison

Let’s keep the high school theme going. It only makes sense to go in order, so let’s talk about another one of the great staff members of Heide Trask High School.

During my senior year, I was deep in the never-ending debate of where to go for college—and all the other overwhelming decisions that come with it. I remember sitting in the library during my free period, chatting with Mrs. Hardison, the school librarian. As we talked, she reflected on her own college experience.

She told me college would be some of the best years of my life—which, to this day, I’m still discovering. But she also shared her biggest regret: not studying abroad. She wished she had taken the leap, reminding me that money would always come back, but the opportunity might not.

That conversation stuck with me. It planted a seed in my mind that I couldn’t ignore. Yet, despite her advice, I still doubted I could ever afford an entire semester abroad.

Fast forward to my sophomore year of college at UNC. I was sitting in my Introduction to Fiction Writing class when a professor walked in with the brightest smile and an exciting announcement. He introduced a three-week study abroad program in Ireland, where we’d take an Introduction to Non-Fiction Writing course. Something clicked in my head, and I just knew—I had to do this.

I spent weeks crafting the perfect application, determined to make it happen. I poured my heart into every word, revising and refining until I felt it truly represented how much I wanted this experience. A few weeks later, I got my acceptance letter, and I was ecstatic. Then, to make things even better, I received an email informing me that I had been awarded funding to help cover part of the experience. Everything was falling into place.

In May, I boarded the plane, still in disbelief that I was actually going to Ireland. I was the first in my family to travel to Europe, and I was doing it with a partial scholarship. The moment the plane touched down, I knew this was going to be an unforgettable experience.

That trip changed everything. I always knew I loved to travel, but this was different. For the first time, I traveled without my parents—and I did it successfully. I explored castles, mountains, and sheep farms while also learning more about writing. But one of the best parts of the trip? The friendships I made. These weren’t just travel buddies; they were lifelong friends. We shared meals, stories, and experiences that bonded us in a way I never expected.

After my study abroad course wrapped up, I extended my adventure to Italy for four days, running up and down the Amalfi Coast with one of my best friends. We had no plan—just a dream destination and the determination to make it happen. Which was something I don’t normally do. Anyone who knows me knows I am insanely organized and that I need a plan for everything. But for once I could relax. It was surreal, something I never thought was possible. We wandered through the streets, ate the most incredible pasta, and marveled at the beauty of the coastline. It was a completely different world, and I felt so lucky to be experiencing it firsthand.

Looking back, I’m so grateful for Mrs. Hardison’s advice. Her words about regret pushed me to take a leap I might have otherwise let pass by. That experience taught me an important lesson: sometimes, you have to push yourself beyond your comfort zone, even when it feels scary. Because those moments? They might just reveal who you are and who you want to become.

Now, as I finish my undergraduate degree, I’m taking every opportunity to travel and figure out where I feel most at home. In fact, as I write this (well, technically a few days later, but let’s pretend it’s live), I’m in New York visiting six different advertising agencies, networking with industry professionals. The city’s energy is infectious, and being surrounded by people who share my passion has only fueled my excitement for the future.

And in March, I’ll be heading to London for another networking trip. I’m already planning out my must-see spots and figuring out how to soak up every moment while balancing professional opportunities. I want to fully immerse myself in each new place, learning not just about my field but also about different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life.

These trips aren’t just about career growth—they’re about fueling my love of travel while chasing my passions. And who knows where they’ll take me next? With every trip, I gain a deeper understanding of what I want for my future, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads me next.

Thank you Mrs. Hardison for pushing me out of my comfort zone and leading me to study abroad.