Program helped me believe in myself

My time abroad was very eye-opening. I attended the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) study abroad program in Ontario, Canada. Although it isn't the farthest distance away from Michigan, it still felt like stepping into another world. I had to learn how Canadian currency translates to USD, the communal feel of the city, how to manage my time and budget, and many other things.

But these weren’t the only things I learned about, of course. TIFF is an international film festival, and when you attend, you are spending the entire day standing in line and watching film after film. Sometimes you stand in line for hours and don’t get into anything, and sometimes you spend five minutes in line, and you get to see a Q&A with the cast and crew of the movie! Hearing all of those industry professionals made me, as an inspiring filmmaker and artist, begin to believe that doing this is possible. Because so many of the projects I saw on screen took years of dedication and passion to make and knowing that people can do this and still make a living makes me believe in myself a little bit more. It also helped that I was surrounded by other student filmmakers and film lovers, who wanted to do nothing but talk about each film’s quirks and creation.

Seeing the sights of the city, with its large and strangely stacked buildings and the CN Tower that lit up the night sky, also made me simply admire the way humans operate and how they put together communities like this. We choose to make art and to bring people together because of it, and I think that it is one of the most beautiful things in the world.

I really appreciated being able to go on this program. I come from a family that does not spend frivolously, so I know the weight of finances and budgeting in day-to-day life. So, I never thought I would get to go on an abroad program like this. But, thanks to a scholarship I was given and multiple MSU travel resources on campus, it took the stress off my shoulders. Sure, I spent a lot of money while I was there, but with the other costs taken care of, it made me more at ease than I would have been.

Overall, I would not trade this study abroad program for the world. I thoroughly believe that anyone should try to take a program like this in their lifetime, even if it's not that far from home. Because having different experiences and putting yourself into different environments really makes you feel like you can do anything. I hope that someday; everyone will be able to feel the same.

• Name: Madison Stark
• Status: Senior
• Majors: Arts & Humanities and Digital Storytelling
• Hometown: Allen Park, Michigan
• Program: Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)