Stephanie Hewett Is All Smiles After The Louvre

We’re learning about history, culture and also ourselves. Student Stephanie Hewett was inspired by a trip to a the Louvre, which holds such iconic works as Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

As soon as we walked into the room that held one of the most famous paintings of all time, I was hit with the realization that I was almost halfway around the world from my home in New York City. Upon my arrival to France, I felt a little homesick due to the fact that I could not use my cellphone to call my loved ones and had no computer access to let them know I had arrived safely. Although I had the biggest knot in my stomach, my jet lag wouldn’t allow me to dwell on it. As soon as I sat down on the chair of the hotel room, my eyes slowly began to close on me. I’d find myself fighting to keep my eyelids open because I didn’t want to go to bed after just meeting Museum Without Walls Director Suzzanne Lacey.

The next two days were a little better because I got to meet everyone else who arrived from Washington State. What really made me feel more at home was visiting the Louvre. I know it may sound strange because it isn’t everyday that I’m surrounded by thousands of beautiful paintings and sculptures, but somehow being in the midst of such strong and creative artwork made me feel strong myself. I thought, “You can do this, Stephanie. You can be miles away from home and still enjoy yourself.”

Before entering the museum, I noticed how beautiful the Louvre looked from the outside. Most of the architecture in Paris is out of this world, but the Louvre was exceptionally beautiful. After viewing more and more art pieces it began to feel more real. It then hit me that I was in one of the most fascinating museums in the world, and I felt honored. The most important thing I rediscovered that day at the Louvre is that art brings me to life. Whether I am creating it by dancing or being inspired by the look of pain on the face of a naked lady in a work of art, I am becoming more comfortable with being myself in a country so foreign to me.

The homesickness quickly withered away after that visit to the Louvre. I no longer had that immense knot dwelling in the pit of my stomach nor worried about being missed at home. I felt like myself again and am excited to see what else I can rediscover about myself being miles and miles away from home.