Kate Hippensteel: Studying Abroad

Kate Hippensteel is the first feature writer for the "Meet the Mentors" blog column! Check the blog periodically for articles written by upperclassmen mentors about their different Purdue and engineering-related experiences and advice they would like to pass on. Kate's featured topic is Studying Abroad.

Hi everyone! I’m Kate Hippensteel, and I’m currently a senior studying Mechanical Engineering here at Purdue. Now that I’m in the “old” crowd here at Purdue, I think it’s only right that I share of my advice that I’ve learned throughout my time here.

I could tell you how creating a study schedule is really helpful, or I could tell you how to prepare for an interview; I could even give you advice on which professors you should choose if you go into Mechanical Engineering, but I want to talk about something I strongly feel that every student should do while studying here at Purdue University—go abroad.

I’ve always been somewhat extravagant in my dreams, and last year, I was able to achieve some of those dreams. This past spring break, I was able to study abroad in Cartagena, Colombia, and during the summer, I was lucky enough to study abroad in Darmstadt, Germany. To give you an idea of how much I liked both places, I currently have the Colombian and German flags hanging in my bedroom.

The world may seem like a small place with technology linking everyone to each other seamlessly across thousands of miles, but the world outside your bedroom window is anything but that. There is SO MUCH to see in the world! You may be able to experience the jungles of the Amazon and the Roman ruins from watching TV, but I can guarantee you, there is nothing like experiencing those places yourself.

 
To tell you about some cool things I have done since my travels, I have Skyped with my Colombian friends to help them teach their friends how to speak more fluently in English. I constantly talk with my Malaysian roommate on WhatsApp from my time in Germany to discuss all the music we are finding and loving. My best friend from Germany plans on visiting during Spring Break of 2015, and I plan on taking her someplace here in the US that will give her memories to cherish forever.

Although my roots may be firmly planted in the US for now, I’ve branched out across the world. I’ve experienced cultures and foods that I never would’ve seen here at home. What is my reaction to my adventures, you ask? I’m a travelaholic. I can’t get enough of the world. My travels have only begun, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

So my advice to you while you are here and growing at Purdue, take a bold step, and fly out of your comfort zone. Go places you’ve only dreamed of. Expand yourself. Learn who you truly are. Study abroad and BOILER UP!!!