A Summer Abroad: University of North Carolina-Pembroke Student Reflects on Trip to France
This reflection was written by Travis Floyd, a University of North Carolina-Pembroke (UNCP) business student, who traveled to France this past summer through one of his classes.
UNCP is one of the institutions JSF supports through its entrepreneurship scholarship program, which supports Indigenous business and entrepreneurship students with demonstrated financial need. The reflection is shared here with permission.
As I currently sit here, I’ve thought about the ways and manner in which to describe my journey this summer to France. No matter what words I put, [they] will fail in comparison to the experience I had.
Let me first start by saying again that I am truly humbled by the support that I have received from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation. As an older man, I was terrified of the notion of going back to school; [JSF] eased that burden more than I could have ever expected.
As a southern Native willing to learn of others’ traditions and ways, I was eager beyond measure to go to France. Our first day in Montpellier was an extremely beautiful one, with perfect weather, perfect views, and friendly people all around. I experienced so many new things—from the rich, beautiful history of the city and the wonderful, unique food to their rich and beautiful art.
Travis Floyd at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Most importantly, I made friends! [These] are genuine friends that I still talk to, almost daily. The connections I made with professors and everything I learned about French culture [enabled me] to experience things that I’ve only dreamt about!
Toward the end of my journey, I spent some time in Paris! I was able to see the Louvre, and the most enjoyable moment was climbing the Eiffel Tower. I hold that moment dearly because my uncle passed when I was just a young boy. We were very close; he visited the Eiffel Tower during his time in the Army. I was able to video call my mother, and we shared a beautiful moment thinking of him.
No number of words can even come relatively close to sharing my gratitude to the Johnson Scholarship Foundation. I will be forever grateful for the support and experiences JSF has helped me achieve. Thank you!