On a Study Abroad in the Summer of 2024, Design Student Danielle Dalton Discovers Meaning in Creativity, Culture and Connection
Recently, I went on an incredible journey studying abroad, a month that reframed my understanding of myself and the world around me. I left feeling more confident, at peace, and open-minded — qualities often clouded by the challenges of school and daily life.
This experience was more than just traveling with a group of people through beautiful countries and meeting amazing people; it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and grow that I will always cherish.
One of my favorite parts of this trip was the friendships I made. Living and traveling with the same 30 people created an environment where we became like family. We supported one another through laughter and challenges, learning valuable lessons in love and service. Our shared experiences of navigating cities and hiking cliffs created lasting memories and provided real-life examples of what it means to be Christlike.
Throughout our travels, I learned skills I could never have acquired in any other way. I learned to manage my finances wisely while traveling for a month. I learned the art of packing efficiently and living out of a small carry-on for a month — no easy task.
Academically, my time abroad deepened my understanding of design and photography, two areas I’m passionate about. As a graphic design student, I often feel confined within my discipline. However, my love for photography and immersing myself in the design styles of the British Isles and Western Europe rejuvenated my creativity. I gained a new appreciation for what good design is and how it reflects culture, history and identity.
Spiritually, my faith was strengthened in ways I never would have expected. Experiencing different cultures, going to the temple and our interfaith dialogue with Reverend Andrew Teal, helped me understand my beliefs and heritage more deeply. The devotion, testimonies and acts of kindness of church members around the world helped me see the interconnectedness of our faith and humanity, igniting a desire to serve others and share love.
Overall, this experience was transformative — one that brought clarity, purpose, and a desire to keep exploring and learning.
