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Erica
Erica's Bio
Erica Wiley is a junior at Indiana University, and is double majoring in Spanish and Criminal Justice. She is studying abroad with International Studies Abroad (ISA) in Guanajuato, Mexico. She has a lot of interesting things to say, and if you keep reading you will find her answers to some questions we asked before she left for her new adventure. Some deal with her study abroad experience, and some are just about her. It's fun. She's fun. Take a look:
What is the aspect of your upcoming semester that makes you most excited?
I am most excited about learning another language and speaking to people that I otherwise would not have been able to communicate with. Although I am sure I will butcher their language in the beginning, my efforts will hopefully pay off in the end. As I learn the language, I will also be able to learn so much more about the culture. I know that when I get there I will be fascinated by the most ordinary things but it will be like entering a different world. Eating new foods will definitely be exciting in itself as I am one of the pickiest eaters I know.
What are you looking forward to the least in your upcoming semester?
The unknown. Will my host family be nice? Will I pack enough clothes? How on earth am I going to fit everything in two suitcases? How hard will my classes be? This is just a sample of the many questions racing in my head as I prepare to study abroad. One particular area of concern for me is being away from everyone I know and love. This is the first time that my twin sister and I will be apart from each other for an extended period of time. I will not just be able to borrow her clothes whenever I want or call to talk on and on about my day. I know I will be able to find ways to communicate with my friends and family, but it will be scary in the beginning.
What made you want to study abroad?
I have wanted to study abroad since I was in high school. I knew that the only way I would be able to truly become fluent in a foreign language was by being surrounded by it and being forced to speak it. I knew that I probably would not get another opportunity to live for several months in another country if I did not do it before I graduated from college.
Why did you choose this destination/program?
I chose my program because I wanted to learn more about Mexico since a growing number of immigrants to America are from this country. This dialect of Spanish would help me communicate easier when I return to America. I also knew that I wanted to live with a host family so I could learn about family traditions and customs of their culture. I had to match Spanish classes from the study abroad program to Spanish classes I needed for my major at Indiana University. This program and destination matched all of my personal criteria, and the warm weather in Mexico won't be bad either!
What are your hobbies and interests?
I love eating out with friends and watching new movies with them. Although I hate to admit it, I enjoy organizing things and making to-do lists, especially when it delays doing my homework. I also enjoy taking pictures of new places and trying to pretend I am a professional photographer. I love to sing. In the shower, in the car, in my room, it doesn't matter where. This is not to say that I am a good singer by any means, I just enjoy it. Last but not least, I love to dance. This can either be in combination with singing or just dancing. I also do not claim to be any good at this either, but dancing is just so much fun!
What are your favorite books and magazines?
My favorite books are those about the American West or Native Americans. Other books I enjoy are Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook and Ishmael Beah's A Long Way Gone. I love Seventeen magazine, People Magazine, or any other celebrity gossip magazines.
What type of music do you listen to?
I really like listening to country music. My favorite artists are Faith Hill, Gary Allan, and Keith Urban. Another favorite artist of mine is Celine Dion. Another type of music I like to listen to when I dance alone in my room or when I am out with friends is rap music.
What are you favorite TV shows and movies?
Favorite TV shows are America's Next Top Model, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, Lois and Clark, and Cold Case Files. My favorite movies are The Notebook, Last of the Mohicans, Dirty Dancing, Zoolander, and Ever After.
If you could have dinner with one famous person - alive or dead, historical or celebrity - who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with Jesus. He has impacted how I live my life and what my goals are. He has influenced so many people around the world. There is no problem too big for Jesus to solve or no question too difficult for him to answer. I would love to ask him all of life's questions and hope that some of his wisdom would rub off on me.
If you want to know what Mexico is like, and how she's coping with being separated from her twin, read her stories here.
