Before returning to spend another summer interning at Paper Source, I spent 5 months reading maps, roaming markets, picnicking at parks, hiking trails, eating feasts, absorbing culture and speaking French. Studying abroad is an experience unlike any other. You are afforded the opportunity to delve deep into a new culture and learn through unconventional means outside of a classroom setting. My wonderful French host parents continuously spoke the words profitez-bien, directly translated as profit well but more commonly understood as make the most of it, or embrace life. This simple phrase soon developed as a reoccurring theme of my travels that I’ve come to embrace.

This joie de vivre, or joy of living, was particularly apparent in my painting and drawing course. My professors constantly alluded to living in the moment, whether we were figure drawing in the studio or painting landscapes in the countryside. Without saying much, they challenged our perceptions of color. I challenge you to do the same thing: take a look around, what colors do you see? If you are like me, you may think that water is blue and trees are green, but so much more is out there.

After 3 weeks, I started seeing colors I’d never seen before – stunning flower markets in Aix-en-Provence, rich red roofs in Portugal, elaborate mosaics in Barcelona, Monet’s “Water Lilies” in Paris, and the radiance of the Mediterranean Sea. My world brightened and my eyes smiled.

Coming back home, I am bombarded with a future-oriented mindset, but I truly have learned to value smaller nuances in life. So next time you’re going for a walk, take a look around and get inspired. There are new colors to see in the world and a million ways to profitez-bien!

–Lauren, Paper Source Intern
PS colors: chartruese & sage
Latest fave: Vintage Marquis Monogram A6 Flat Stationery

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