They say when you travel, you should always keep a journal.
And while I do plan on keeping my personal journal for my own sake, I also want my column for Lumination about my semester abroad in Santiago, Chilé, to be something like a journal for all of my readers to see. Now, that is not to say this column will be a jumbled mess of rambling, random thoughts and memories; it will obviously have more structure and preparation behind it than that.
No, I use that analogy to introduce this column because the writing here will be conversational, and even borderline casual. If you choose to read this column, my hope is that you will be delightfully struck by the creative, colorful and free-flowing writing style, and that you will feel truly a part of the experiences and memories that I’m creating and expressing to you via the written word.
I want my readers to know exactly what it is like to live abroad, and to feel as though they share in the valleys and peaks of that experience.
My name is Brianna Langley, and I have been the lifestyles editor for Lumination Network since last August. I plan to double major in journalism and international affairs, and I am currently a second semester sophomore at Lipscomb University.
My true passion is cultural and travel journalism, which is why I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to do write this column during my time abroad here in Chilé.
I chose to participate in the Global Learning program for one semester (three months) because travel is and will always be my first love.
I grew up in the mission field in Eastern Europe, so traveling has become a way of life for my family. Even so, this whole experience here in South America is totally new for me, since all of my previous travels have revolved around Europe.
That’s enough formal introduction for now. In short, I’m glad you decided to read this little opening story, and I hope you continue to share in this experience with me. Along the way, I hope we discover more about life in Santiago, Chilé, together.