3 month reflection

 A whole summer has gone by since coming home from Germany. 

It's still almost hard to believe it is over. When I think back to all the experiences I had, the places I went, and the people I met, I am shocked it all happened in the blink of an eye. 

The beginning of my trip was very hard, I remember celebrating that I had been there for one week, terrified that I had 15 to go. Slowly but surely as I started to let go, connect with the people around me, and make the decision to try new things with an open mind. There was a moment I knew I never wanted to leave. 

I learned so much on this trip, more than I can understand at this moment in time for sure. 

Being home has been pretty chill compared to the whirlwind trip, I've been working and doing school. But even though I went back to the same world I left, it is not the same. I have this knowledge now of other cultures and places, and even the knowledge that I am brave enough to be a world traveler.

I miss my host family every day, and I miss the atmosphere of Bonn more than I thought I ever would. 

I can't wait to go back someday.

12 Weeks Later...

When I was in Germany, I missed having the commodity of a car, but now, I miss having a (somewhat) reliable source of public transportation.

When I was in Germany, I missed my hometown, but now, I miss the comparatively cold weather that I grew accustomed to in Bonn.

When I was in Germany, I missed seeing my friends and family, but now, I miss the family that we built in classroom A-8.

I can only remember the whole experience fondly, even though not everything was sunshine and rainbows. I was used to grocery shopping by myself, walking way more than I used to, and seeing the same people every day. Alas, that ended, and it was rough to readjust. At first, I felt a bit empty as my days were not the same as they were for the past 4 months. During graduation, I ran into Vic, and for a second, my mind believed that I was in Bonn again. Then, after some time spent with my family, I was able to go integrate the changes I experienced into the person I was before January, and life felt normal again. 

When I started seeing all of my friends after four months, they would ask me how it went, and all I could say was that it was amazing. I wouldn't want to bore them with all the details and long stories, but I would recommend that if they had a chance to do it, they must. Most of the friends that I made in College Station were in the last two years, so part of me felt sad that I would not get to spend as much time before we graduated, but I will never regret studying abroad.

If I could go back and give myself advice, I would tell myself to not take everything so seriously and enjoy every moment.

Three Months Later

It has been almost three months now since I got home from Germany. I have to say, the adjustment period wasn’t what I expected it to be. It took me about a week to get over the jetlag, but I didn’t necessarily mind getting up at 6am every day. Other than that, though, it was like I never left. Maybe that was because I jumped right into a busy month with graduation, a trip to Cabo, a friend’s wedding, and starting grad school. However, I did miss Germany quite a bit. I still do. I found myself constantly talking about different experiences I had, and I always felt like “that friend” who can’t stop talking about her study abroad experience. I particularly missed it when I found out another friend of mine was in Bonn for a summer program during June. Now, I reflect on my time with such joy and nostalgia, and I can’t wait to go back and visit as soon as possible!

This summer, I have been busy with grad school. The business world is quite different from the STEM world and threw me for a loop at the beginning. I did find, however, that skills I gained from the Enmodes teamwork and presentation translate well to the team projects and presentations I do in grad school. I can’t wait until I return to the STEM world next year, though. Hopefully, that’ll be in the form of medical school… fingers crossed. Anyways… we have a Spring Break study abroad for grad school, and we’re going to PORTUGAL! I’m so excited to go back to Europe and explore a country I haven’t been to yet, even though I won’t have time to swing back by Germany. Until that time comes, I am so thankful for my time in Bonn and miss it every day.

Reflection

 After being back in the states, I experiences something called reverse culture shock. I hated the hot summer and how I had to drive everywhere and I couldn't take public transportation and see all my friends everyday. I missed the cool weather and my lack of allergies. But I was grateful to see my family and to have a break from school and stress. 

This summer I haven't done too much. I shadowed a bit, decided not to study for the mcat this summer, and am getting certified as a phlebotomist. If I'm being honest I've mostly read this summer. I also went to Scotland for a family wedding and then to Iceland. If you ever have a chance to go to Iceland, you should do it. Peri and I hang out pretty much everyday. I'm so glad that we met and became such great friends because of this program. We even started a cooking blog together! (We have already made some gluten free schnitzel). It isn't ready to be published yet but will be soon. Be on the lookout for the Gluten Free Foodie(s)!

I don't really know what to write except that I'm thankful for the program and that it will have a place in my heart forever. I feel like my options for life are more broad after this program. I learned to be thankful for things as simple as being able to walk down hills (and to dread aging). I know I can live in different cultures and even make a life among unfamiliar surroundings. I am really glad I did it. Part of me wants to go back and relive it over and over again, but I also know that I'm ready to move on and take on other challenges and experiences. 

11 Weeks to the Day

     It's been exactly 11 weeks to the day since we left Germany and returned to Texas. So much has changed since I've been back, yet it's hard to believe that I've already been back that long. I remember getting off the plane, saying goodbye, and watching the scenery pass outside my window. All I could think was that it wasn't nearly as green as it was in Germany and that I felt like I was torn between two different versions of my life. It's not like that anymore though. Don't get me wrong, I still miss Germany and the routine that I had settled into there, but I've also created a new one for myself here in Texas. I'm working at a job I love, spending time with my family again, and hanging out with friends. Erin and I have stayed in touch and see each other all the time too. So it hasn't been a bad adjustment, it's just different. I'm happy with where my life is right now.

    I will forever be glad that I participated in this program and that I got to experience all the things I did. I was able to see some amazing things, learn about different cultures, and make connections that I can't imagine my life without now. I will never forget what an incredible time I had in Europe, but I have also kept moving toward what the future holds for me.

10 Weeks Home

 I MISS IT. Everyday I am grateful for the experience that I had. I am able to tell amazing stories about my trip and share what I learned with those around me. I am also so grateful for the relationships I have gained through this experience. I see Colby 3 times a week in ochem, hangout with Mason in College Station, I now work with Erin, I am continuing to work with Blanche, and Peyton is one of my best friends. If anyone ever asks me about my experience and what it is like to go abroad, I can only say positive things. I am so thankful for this program and hope that the next group of students can enjoy it just as much as I did. 

Week 16: Going home

 The last week leading up to going home was very fun and rough at the same time. I was excited to go home and see all my family and friends but also heartbroken about leaving Bonn and all of its people. Finals and Enmodes were a blur so once that was finished I felt pretty relieved only to worry about fitting all my stuff back in my suitcase. Once May 2nd rolled around, I was pretty busy getting ready for my flight. Obviously, I ran to Theos to get one last Schokocroissant (and an extra to take home for my sister). A car ride, train, and plane later I was finally back home with my family (and yes I was reminded how much I hate terminal E in IAH). After finally getting some rest and re-adjusting to life back in Texas I became even more grateful for the opportunity I had to go on the study abroad trip. Telling all my friends and family about all my adventures really showed how much I had grown over those four months. I still do not think I could thank my host mom enough for how kind she was to me during my entire stay and how much that meant to me (yes, I still miss her a lot). I've already found myself wanting to go back to Germany, so that will definitely be in my future.