A New Home

Travin, a recent graduate, writes about his time at UW and with FIUTS.

As the plane descended into Sea-Tac International Airport, I looked out the window and blurted out, “My new home.” Looking back, that statement didn’t really make sense as I hadn’t been to Seattle and, at the time, it wasn’t really the city I wanted to end up living in. Little did I know that I really was “coming home” as I was soon to fall in love with Seattle and realize that I wouldn’t have felt as at home in any other city.

Travin on a FIUTS canoe trip in 2009

While I didn’t really feel out-of-place as a foreigner due to having English as my first language and speaking with a natural near-American accent, being involved with FIUTS was instrumental in improving my arrival from “not bad” to “amazing”. Despite my first event being the last Wednesday Lunch of the academic year where everyone was saying “goodbye” while I was saying “hello”, it was one of the most welcoming experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Not only did I meet people from all over the world, I’ve established friendships I still maintain to this day.

Little did I know, it was just the beginning. Soon, I was to meet even more people, share some great experiences with them, and learn more from them. While I knew Seattle was a global city, I didn’t expect all this to happen and work out so well!

Just a few months in, I was convinced by Eugene Kobiako, a facilitator for FIUTS, to sign up and become a facilitator myself. While I hesitated at first, I decided to give it a shot. Looking back at all that I’ve done, doing so was definitely the best decision I’ve ever made as a student. From leading a group to eat at a nearby restaurant to writing up and leading the majority of a city-wide scavenger hunt, all the events I’ve done with FIUTS have positively contributed to who I am today.

Unexpected Learning

Travin and fellow FIUTS facilitator Steven at the 2012 Early Fall Start Orientation for UW international students

In addition to my expected coursework and what I’ve done with FIUTS, I also learned a lot from the wide range of experiences I took advantage during my time here. While my study abroad trips to Vienna and London definitely stand out, the people I’ve met and the small things I’ve done, like playing in a benefit concert to fight against human trafficking, contributed significantly as well. One blog post simply can’t contain even a summary of all that I’ve learned throughout these four years.

One thing that does stand out though, is that I’ve learned what drives me to get up in the morning everyday – to create amazing memories. While my nostalgic tendency isn’t completely something new for me, it’s no longer just one of my quirks as I now use it to push myself to create more things to look back on with joy. And who would have thought that I would learn that from a class titled “Business, Government, and Society”? Thanks Hugh!

It’s All Done

As much as I’ve enjoyed my time as a student though, I’m really glad to be done. Since I was little, I didn’t want a new toy or any fancy gadget. I wanted to be an adult and a productive member of society. I probably didn’t word it that way when I first desired it, and it probably sounded more adorable, but it’s somewhere around there.

Travin playing at a benefit concert to fight human trafficking

I don’t really know exactly where I’m going right now. And from my experiences, I’ve learned that it’s not something to be worried about as long as I have some direction. But what I do know is that I’ll look back with fondness at all the happy moments and with pride at all the things I’ve fought through. And because of that, I wouldn’t change anything.

Thank you all for being a part of my life!

Travin Keith was an international student from Cebu City, Philippines who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration while participating in the Certificate of International Studies in Business Program with a focus on the United Kingdom. Currently, he’s the Online Marketing Manager at Words For Less, a content marketing and management company located in the Seattle area. Keep up with what he’s doing at www.travinkeith.com or connect with him on LinkedIn!