Centre College values education, as stated in its oft-quoted trademark, "Personal Education, Extraordinary Success." Even in its motto, "Doctrina Lux Mentis," we find that indeed "Learning is the Light of the Mind." True to a liberal arts education, Centre encourages its students to go beyond the classroom for knowledge—whether in a residence hall or across the ocean. Centre prides itself on its array of study abroad options and annually sends students to nearly every corner of the globe.

I would've found many of those options compatible with my educational interests, since a liberal arts education knows no boundaries, but my personal interests have always been in the Middle East, particularly the Arab world. When I approached the study abroad office, my academic advisers, and the registrar's office about taking a leave of absence for a semester to study in Amman, Jordan, for six months, I received encouragement and ideas. As I meticulously assembled my journey from the patchwork, I've discovered that when a liberal arts education and study abroad combine, an adventure is born.

I admit that self-designing one's own study abroad experience is a daunting and challenging experience, which may not allure most people. My own experience leading up to my present arrival has been marked with stress and uncertainty at times, yet through it all, I found the necessary support from my academic advisers and the study abroad office who caringly listened to my worries, advised when they could, but most importantly, encouraged me to push ahead and not give up.

In time, Centre College may offer its own program in the Middle East, but for those whose interests may not necessarily fit the current offerings, know that Centre will not limit one's pursuit of knowledge, no matter the location.