I am Julliana Samson, a San Diego Community College District community college student and Gilman Scholar. I am ecstatic to have you here and to see you take the first steps to become fully equipped for your study abroad journey, not just financially but also mentally, physically, and in every other aspect.Beyond graduating, studying abroad was another goal of mine as a college student. Perceiving such programs as those only accessible to well-off students attending 4-year institutions, I deemed this goal unapproachable. Despite my modest background and challenging circumstances, I worked hard to make it a reality. I was fortunate enough to have lots of guidance from my older sister and professors who also studied abroad, as well as a college that recognizes the importance of allowing students to develop skills in and out of the classroom (and country!). After my study abroad program, I have remained active in the study abroad community, speaking at student panels and helping spread the opportunity to study abroad at Miramar through the Financial Aid office.