Being a committed member of a team doesn't prevent Muhlenberg athletes from enjoying the same transformative experiences that their fellow students do - like studying abroad. Every semester, a good number of Mules travel overseas, and we catch up with them in our Postcards from Abroad series.  Our latest "foreign correspondent" is women's lacrosse junior Lauren Cherven, a psychology major and public health minor who is studying in Florence, Italy. Here's what she had to say about her experience:

What made you decide to study abroad?
What made me decide to study abroad was the chance of traveling around Europe, learning so much history and gaining new experiences that would last a lifetime. When I was applying to college, many people had said to me their one regret was not studying abroad and I did not want to miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What has been your favorite part about studying abroad?
My favorite part about studying abroad has been adapting to a new culture. Although sometimes it can be hard, having the chance to live in a completely different continent has been able to help me grow and mature.

What is something you have learned about yourself while studying abroad?
Something that I have learned about myself while studying abroad has been my ability to overcome change, challenges and being scared. When I first came here I was terrified to be so far away from home, walk around a new city and navigate a new culture and way of life, but after being here for over a month, I have learned I am very capable of handling myself in new situations. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying abroad?
Some advice that I would give to someone thinking about studying abroad is to not overthink it and just go. I was constantly going back and forth in my mind of going and now that I am here I am so thankful that I had decided to go. There are so many experiences that I have gained while being here and traveling that many don't get the opportunity to do. 

What classes are you taking and which is your favorite? 
The classes I am taking are Cultural Introduction to Italy, Chemistry of the Visual Arts, Culture Shock: Psychology, Tuscany and its Wines, and Sacred Florence Walks. My favorite class by far is Sacred Florence Walks. Each class we walk around Florence looking at sacred buildings and places of worship, and it is amazing to see the beautiful structures and artwork that these places of worship have in Florence. 

What has been the favorite place you've visited?
My favorite place that I have visited while being abroad would have to be Santorini, Greece. Since before I had left for the semester I knew I wanted to travel to Greece, and the country exceeded all my expectations. The water, buildings and view were all perfect! 

How have you kept up with your sport while abroad?
When not traveling, every morning I like to start my day by going on a run along the Arno. It's amazing that I get the chance to run along such a scenic river. The school in Florence also has a gym where I am able to get lifts in.

What is one thing you miss about Muhlenberg?
One thing I miss most about Muhlenberg is my teammates and having the chance to see them every day. Between classes, lifts, practices and team activities I get the chance to see them a lot at school and I miss having that. 

Previous "Postcards"
Rebecca McCurdy (women's lacrosse) - Florence
Caitlin Bestrycki (women's tennis) - Limerick, Ireland
Matthew Hajel (cross country/track & field) - Madrid, Spain