International Tourism in Spain – Friday, usually a day where you are counting down the hours until you’re done work. For me, this Friday was different. 

My name is Michaela Maughan and I am taking Tourism Management at NSCC Akerley campus, I am graduating this June and I cannot wait, and for some reason, this course has given me the opportunity to travel around Spain with my classmates

Waking up this morning, I was preparing for the day. I knew we were going downhill biking, and going for a winery tour and tapas but I didn’t know how it would all unravel. I haven’t ridden a bike for 10 years so I was a little nervous to see how i would do. It started off very wonky with me not even able to balance on the bike and I thought to myself “oh no this won’t be fun”. 

After we started going I got even more nervous with the turns and how fast I was going. I even started thinking that I should just give up and go sit in the van and wait for it to be over. But as I was thinking that, I looked up and I saw mountains, and villages and winding little roads, I heard birds chirping and my bike wheels speeding down. I couldn’t help but smile, because when I wanted to give up, I realized how lucky I am for being in Spain.

Riding a bike down the mountains. I realized that even though I was terrified of turning the corners, I did it. It turned out to be a scary overwhelming day, but in the end I couldn’t be prouder of myself for conquering that voice inside my head to tell me to quit. 

Kayla Maughan

Tourism Management Student

NSCC Akerley Campus