Defy your expectations outside the classroom

Some students come to college and expect the experience to be another four years of high school: you go to class, take notes, do homework. Repeat. Though this model may be true for some colleges, Franklin is not satisfied with the exclusively-classroom-centered idea of education. As the campus boasts some of the brightest and most talented young people, the college desires to challenge these students, and what is a better challenge than studying abroad?

Exercise science alumn Brianna Hutton knew an Immersive Term study abroad trip would be an experience she could not replicate in the classroom. When the proud Pi Beta Phi alum heard her mentor Kyra Noerr, Ph.D., professor of exercise science, was leading a month-long trip to Costa Rica, Brianna eagerly agreed to join her.

“The trip was centered around working with the Special Olympics, and I’ve worked with special populations before. I just thought it would be a really cool experience to work outside my comfort zone.” – Hutton

Unfortunately, the dream trip began with a few complications. The original housing plan involved two students living with each host family, but, once they arrived in Costa Rica, Brianna and her fellow FC travelers were informed not everyone would have a Franklin College partner in their hosts’ houses.

“They asked for volunteers to live alone. Two had volunteered, and I was like, ‘Well I’m a senior, and I want to make the most of this, so I said I would stay with a family by myself. Honestly, it turned out to be the best thing ever. They treated me so well, like I was a part of their family, and I am still in contact with them now.” – Hutton

Gaining a new family was not Brianna’s only highlight. The Rockville, Indiana native enjoyed the opportunity to work with the Special Olympics.

“Working with the Special Olympics was really rewarding because they wanted to be there, and we just did anything we could to make sure they had a good time. Talking to them in another language was the difficult part. But it made it so great for me because I showed myself that I could do something that I didn’t think I could.” – Hutton

To defy others’ expectations is one thing, but to defy your own is always more fulfilling. Pursue your next challenge at Franklin College.