For spring break 2012, the JForce crew took a group of students to north Africa. The group spent 10 days in Tunisia. This video is only a small reminder of the experiences that group shared. Hopefully, more students will choose to study at the JFRC and choose to travel to other countries to see new places, meet new people, and learn valuable life lessons.

A year ago I was in Rome beginning an adventure. Here is a short video of just one of them!

Reblogged 4 months ago from aaronjayledesma by aaronjayledesma

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aaronjayledesma:

I know, I know… This is the third social media outlet I have shared this photo with. However, I was very happy to see this photo on the new Marquette magazine cover. To be honest, it was the first time in a couple of weeks I have really sat down and thought about my semester abroad. I’ve been back in the United States for almost three months. Being back is weird… I am at the point where I am debating whether or not the life changing experience even took place. I miss Italy very much. Life is different on the other side of the world, This magazine cover shows a glimpse at what Marquette students see along their journeys abroad. I hope that more students in the future choose to challenge themselves by living in a foreign country because you learn a lot about the world, other people and yourself.

Reblogged 9 months ago from aaronjayledesma by aaronjayledesma

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When One Journey Ends, Another Begins…

When one journey ends, another begins - This is how I look at my current status. After four months abroad, 10 countries, and over 22,000 miles of flights, I’m back home in the US. I can’t really explain what it feels like having been to Europe and being back now. Everything is a blur. I am still taking it all in one day at a time. One day at a time…

I have been home for 1 week so far. I am so happy to be back. I am enjoying every moment with family and friends. I was caught off guard by something. When I got home I checked my weight and confirmed that I had lost 30lbs since January 10th. Everyone asked what I did. I said: walked, pasta and bread. 30lbs!!! I am so excited to continue working on it. I have been working out every day since I have gotten back. It’s been tough and exhausting, but it feels great at the end of the day.

So here I am, back in Houston, picking everything back up right where I left it. Something I noticed about studying abroad:

you discover yourself
you discover your true friends
you discover the world
you discover life, and what you want to do with it
You Discover

For anyone slightly interested in studying abroad, just do it. You won’t regret one second of it. Everything and everyone who is back home will be there when you get back, especially the ones who matter. Life is full of surprises and you’d be surprised what studying abroad can do for the soul.

I am glad to say this is my last post on Romeo and Journal-It. Studying abroad this semester was life-changing in so many ways. Thank you Marquette and the John Felice Rome Center for giving me the opportunity to study abroad and have once in a life time experiences.

Ciao for now,

Aaron Ledesma