At some point in our lives, we’ve felt a burning urge to backpack throughout Europe. After imagining ourselves taking a giant bite of a crepe infront of the Eiffel Tower, apprehension sneaks in telling us that this trip is out of our league…and out of our wallet’s league too. Let this week’s Campus Celebrity Emely Toro, serve as some inspiration. A current junior and a future law student, Toro sat down with Her Campus to share her experience she gained exploring six countries over summer. Toro has made traveling a priority not only because of the memorable experiences that come with it, but because she believes in the importance of learning about other cultures and getting out of your comfort zone.. Read more about this well-rounded and successful Seminole!
HC: Let’s start with the basics! Tell us a little about yourself – where are you from, what do you study?
Hello! My name is Emely Toro and I am originally from Orlando, FL, but I consider myself to be 100% Colombian. I study International Affairs with a concentration in Business, and I am currently working on a Chinese minor.
HC: So, International Affairs? Why do you think it’s important for people to learn about other cultures?
I believe it is important for other people to learn about different cultures because we are becoming increasingly globalized via communication technology. Mainly, I believe there is a real beauty behind each culture, language, history and even political system.
HC: What would be your dream job after graduation?
My dream career after graduating from, hopefully, Georgetown Law School, is to become either an attorney for a firm that specializes in international trade or to work for an NGO (non-governmental organization) doing legal work involving international trade.
HC: This summer you went on a backpacking trip through Europe for 2 months. Totally jealous. Tell us about your experience!
I was fortunate enough to go backpacking in Europe by saving $2,000 from my job and getting a loan of $2,000. I say this because money should never be what stands between you and your goals. If you want to travel, make it happen; there is always a solution.
My trip began in Germany with my mother…yes, my mother. She was actually the best partner-in-crime I could have chosen for this trip, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. We rented a car for two days which took us through many quaint towns then ended up in Munchen (German for Munich). What we loved the most about Germany were its people. Everyone says Germans are tough, rude, etc., but we found this to be the complete opposite. For example, one lady closed down her shop just to show us where we could park for free! My mother and I fell in love with Germany and all of its breath-taking castles and palaces that make Disney’s Cinderella castle seem like a printed imitation of a Van Gogh painting; nothing like the original.
We then traveled to Czech Republic, which was definitely another culture shock. It became apparent to us how much their history shaped their customs and identities. Prague used to be one of the most indisputably powerful capitals of the world. They went through a quasi-nonstop series of wars that built up their tough skin. Coming from a Colombian background where we are used to smiling and talking to everyone, we were immediately stunned by the fact that no one really ever said hello or smiled back at us.
Then we journeyed to Switzerland. Oh what a paradise it was: CLEAN, organized, and friendliness of the people and efficient transportation…not to mention their mountains and lakes look like something out of a fairy tale.
France was very beautiful and the people were very pleasant; nothing like what people usually say about the French. Paris on the other hand was somewhat a disappointment; the smell, dirtiness and amount of crime made the romantic Paris we envisioned fall down the drain. Of course, the architecture and history were beautiful, and even the people are pretty nice, but that is about it. Versailles is a must-see though!
Italy was as truly romantic place. Granted, it would have been probably better to be with a boyfriend and not your mother, haha. The Italians truly know how to enjoy life and all its pleasures. As a side note, I would definitely recommend staying in nice places in Italy, because the cheap ones you really get what you pay for. Also, learn a little bit of Italian before you go, because although they know English, they truly respect you more (just like in France) if you attempt to speak to them in Italian.
Last but not least, Spain. Here, I had some of the best experiences while backpacking. Their rich culture, scrumptious food, seafood galore, variety of museums and great transportation easily put this country in my top favorites. Seriously, you have to make an effort to become bored here because there’s always something to do! Go shopping in Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, swing dance by the beaches, visit Picasso’s museum…the list could go on and on.
HC: What advice would you give to those who want to take on the same trip?
So many! I will just list them.
1) Do not be “that American” and go to these foreign countries just to drink and waste your time and money. There is so much more to gain from traveling abroad. I can’t tell you how many times I saw foreign exchange students acting up in these countries just because they think no one will ever see them again. You can have fun without losing your wits completely.
2) Get to know the locals, they will show you the best that city has to offer.
3) Do not worry about planning too much, because everything always seems to work itself out. That certainly doesn’t mean don’t [plan] where you will sleep the next day; it just means you don’t necessarily need to plan where you will sleep the next week or month, etc. Go with the flow; you learn more and have more fun.
4) Be aware of all the resources available for you to save money like couch-surfing, carpooling, maybe the Eurorail pass (which I don’t recommend if you do not have a set plan of where and when you are going to places), etc.
5) When you arrive in any country, try to plan at least the first two days what you will do. If not, you spend a lot of money and freak out a little since it is so different (especially if they speak another language)
6) GO WITH SOMEONE WHO IS A GOOD TRAVELER OR A COMPLEMENT TO YOU! If they like to sleep in, party too much, complain or don’t like walking all day in the sun, backpacking is not for them.
HC: Really quick: which country was your favorite?
That is hard to say because each country had its own enchantments, but I will go with Spain because of how incredibly amazing it was in every sense.
HC: What are some of the extracurricular activities you are involved with on campus?
I am currently the House Manager for the Pilot house in the Southern Scholarship Foundation, Co-Founder and Vice-President of NAMI on Campus, and a Senator for SGA.
HC: What do you find most rewarding about being a House Manager?
Honestly, just being able to be there for these girls. I love being able to listen and help them find solutions to whatever problems they are facing, whether it be with school or a boyfriend. They mean a lot to me, more than they even know. The way some of them look up to me is a constant reminder to always be a good role model and always be loving and kind; as cheesy as that sounds, it goes a long way…especially when you live with 20 other girls.
HC: Tell us a bit about NAMI on Campus and why you are so passionate about it.
Wow, well NAMI on Campus is something very close to my heart because I’ve had a family member go through a mental illness. NAMI on Campus has inspired me to help others that have gone through what I have gone through, to let them know they are not alone, and that there is support and education for family members and/ or someone with mental illness. I’ve had students come up to me, thanking me for having an organization like NAMI on Campus because they needed a place where they felt supported. I believe in the power and the change that this organization can have at Florida State and the community. We can help eradicate the stigma on mental illness and advocate in the capital to do the same for the entire state of Florida. We have big goals that we will accomplish without a doubt.
HC: So, you have your hands full. What do you do in your free time to keep sane?
In my free time I like to plan little trips or activities with my friends, or just relax at home with a good movie, some spicy hummus and Black Bean Artisan Tostitos chips. Haha, but really though, that or napping; napping is always good.