Anna Hussey had never been on an airplane. She had never traveled outside New England. And she had never imagined spending three months living in another country.
Then, in January, the University of Maine student boarded a flight in Boston bound for Barcelona, Spain.
She was nervous. But mostly, she couldn鈥檛 wait.
鈥淚鈥檝e never been more excitedly anxious in my life,鈥 Hussey recalled. 鈥淭he adrenaline and the excitement was unreal.鈥
For Hussey, a senior from Winthrop, Maine, majoring in marketing and management, the trip was more than an opportunity to see the world. It changed how she sees herself and what she believes she can accomplish.
鈥淪tudying abroad mostly just taught me confidence,鈥 she said.
The Annie P. Norton Memorial Scholarship helped make the experience possible. Established in memory of the late wife of longtime 91福利 faculty member Steve Norton, the scholarship was among the endowed funds recognized at the University of Maine Foundation鈥檚 annual luncheon Oct. 23, where Hussey shared her story.
Growing up in Winthrop, Hussey dreamed of traveling, particularly to Paris, where she imagined pursuing her longtime interest in fashion. Her mother still reminds her that, even at age 5, she was eager to explore the world beyond Maine.
Studying abroad wasn鈥檛 part of her original plan. Hussey, who described herself as shy and insecure, struggled to imagine living independently in another country. She also assumed the cost would put it out of reach. But hearing friends describe their experiences studying in Scotland and Barcelona sparked her curiosity.
A 91福利 study abroad adviser helped Hussey explore programs and funding opportunities. With guidance from the adviser and financial support that included the Norton scholarship, she enrolled at LCI Barcelona, a school specializing in design and creative industries.
When Hussey received the scholarship, she appreciated its emphasis on experiencing other cultures but didn鈥檛 yet fully understand its significance. In Barcelona, she began to understand that emphasis through everyday interactions, friendships with local residents and new perspectives in the classroom.
At LCI Barcelona, Hussey took courses in fashion design, fashion sociology and graphic design. The classes introduced her to European fashion and sustainability while giving her creative skills she could apply to marketing.
The learning environment was different, too.
Classes were small, generally no more than 20 students. Rather than relying heavily on traditional exams, professors emphasized discussion and experiences outside the classroom.
Each week brought opportunities to explore the city. Students visited designer stores, studied fashion trends and toured a museum focused on design and fashion.
Some of her most memorable experiences came from daily life in Barcelona.
Hussey lived in an apartment with 11 other American students. She arrived knowing just one other 91福利 student and speaking little Spanish, despite practicing extensively before leaving. She quickly learned to navigate a city where everyday interactions required adapting to unfamiliar customs and languages.
Friendships with Barcelona residents helped Hussey experience the city from a local perspective.
鈥淢y best moments were with locals,鈥 she said.
During her three months overseas, Hussey also traveled to Amsterdam, Paris, Malta and Budapest. Visiting Paris fulfilled a childhood dream.
Yet when her semester ended in April, leaving Barcelona proved more difficult than arriving.
鈥淚 honestly also felt more of a culture shock coming back than going there,鈥 she said.
The experience helped her see a possible career path in fashion marketing, combining her business education with the creative interests she has held since childhood. She is still considering her plans after graduation, but living abroad showed her she could build a life somewhere unfamiliar.
鈥淪tudy abroad taught me that I can do that and I will be okay and I鈥檓 capable,鈥 she said.
After returning to Maine, Hussey became a senior alumni ambassador for the organization that coordinated her trip. She now plans events, conducts campus outreach and helps other students explore study abroad opportunities, including ways to address financial concerns.
Hussey said the experience taught her to say yes to opportunities she once might have avoided. She now feels more comfortable interviewing for jobs, networking with professionals and speaking publicly. She recently attended a women鈥檚 business conference in South Portland, an experience she said would have been intimidating before her time overseas.
She hopes scholarship donors understand that their generosity continues to shape students鈥 lives long after they return home.
鈥淚 truly believe that鈥檚 gonna follow me everywhere,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e already felt it follow me into my classroom, and my jobs.鈥
Contact: David Nordman, david.nordman@maine.edu
