As a student at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK) and a participant of the UTK Chancellor's Honors Program (CHP), I have been selected to study abroad with CHP at Cambridge in the United Kingdom for the second summer session of 2018. This is an opportunity like none other, for I'll be able to meet new people, visit a foreign country for the first time, and take home new experiences!
     Academically, this specific study abroad program offers many benefits. I make further progress towards my Chemical Engineering degree by meeting my general education requirements. Additionally, the classes that I'll be taking at Cambridge will also count as Honors courses for the CHP, of which I must take a total of seven honors courses during my time at UTK. This is important to me, because the taking of Honors courses help to challenge me academically and ensure that I'm receiving a quality education. This goal - a quality education - is also a big reason in choosing this program, because it will help lighten my coursework load heading into my Junior and Senior years. As an engineering student, the rigor of my classes will only increase. By knocking out some of my general education courses now, they won't add onto my courseload as I further progress in my field of study.
     Personally, I've wanted to study abroard for several years. This is because, as a child, my father would tell me of the different places he'd visited around the world while in the Navy, and, since then, I've always wanted to see more of the world. By going on this study abroad program, I'll be meeting this dream. Furthermore, I'll be doing this as a first generation college student, too, which is a label I take immense pride in. Finally, being able to experience a new culture and meet new people is something I greatly look forward to as part of my personal development.
     I can not express express how significant this opportunity to study abroad means to me, both personally and with my academic goals. This experience will prove to be like none other I've had. So, I thank you, in advance, for helping me reach this experience!