Glimpse - Your Stories from Abroad

Genevieve Studer

People should be honest, first of all with themselves. Growing older doesn’t have to mean growing up. I would rather be laughing, still more at myself. If I ever stop learning, I will have stopped living. Losing sight of dreams is like imprisoning a child. No sense of adventure is no sense at all. Good reading makes good writing, good writing begets effective self-expression, good expression makes good conversations, and good conversations make good friends, so read wisely and well. Anyone who doesn’t melt with a puppy’s kiss, won’t try something new, or won’t give up his/her seat for someone else isn’t worth my time. Fate is for those who don’t believe in themselves. You should always have a song stuck in your head. Integrity is too often underestimated. Wind-blown hair, sun-kissed cheeks, and a galloping spirit are the essence of true beauty. Life is interpreted; don’t undervalue the truths of another. No one else can live your life so why not keep them guessing? Hugs make the world go ‘round! The things that make me happiest are flapping my dog's ears, walking barefoot on the wet beach and through dewy grass, lying under clothes fresh out of the dryer, the smell of the old Albuquerque Zoo Rainforest, running though the woods, guessing where the next raindrop will fall on my face, the feel of a fresh high and tight, watching colorful sunrises, that ache you get after laughing so hard you fall over, tackling people randomly, quaggleknucking, the proper use of semi-colons, and toesocks! I’m serious about the semi-colon thing... Currently getting my Master’s Degree in South Asian Culture and Health from the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg in Germany, courtesy of the Zipf Scholarship, I am a 2008 graduate from the United States Naval Academy and a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps. I grew up in Albuquerque, NM, though I was born in Austin and love to wear cowboy boots, so don’t knock it, and no, I’m not a poser! (Okay...I guess I’m kinda a poser...) I admire and strive to emulate my brother’s heart and my best friend’s ability to stay true to herself. Learning about and seeing new places, cultures, and perspectives is the most invigorating thing I can think of. (Yes, that was totally a post-position...)

Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico

School: Karls-Ruprecht Universität Heidelberg

Where I've Lived Abroad: Dhaka, Bangladesh - Erlangen, Germany - Heidelberg, Germany - Kathmandu, Nepal