Back in America, I have always been used to engaging in different activities unrelated to school on top of academics. During my sophomore year at Tufts, I ended up working 2 part time and 1 full time job. I don't mean to brag or anything, but I simply believe that there are so many opportunities one can take advantage and learn from, whether it would be engaging in volunteer work, working at a restaurant, joining athletic clubs, etc. Going to college doesn't equate to trapping yourself in 4 walls and studying 24/7.
I'm getting ready to leave for my study abroad. That means figuring out what kinds of things I'd like to bring with me, what kinds of things I'd like to bring with me but can't really fit inside a suitcase, what kinds of things I'd like to bring with me but don't want to have to explain to the TSA, etc.
For example, here are my friends:
In about 3 days, I’m going to be getting off of a plane at Fiumicino – Aeroporto Internazionale Leonardo da Vinci and beginning my study abroad experience in Roma.
In ten days I will finally be departing on a 37-calendar hour journey to Christchurch where I will spend the next 5 months. I haven’t exactly been to New Zealand so there won’t be any “Welcome Home” signs, but I have stalked the country enough on Pinterest and had enough day dreams to feel like when I finally set foot in Kiwi country, I will feel at home.
I’ve made it through my first week of school!
At the end of last week, I had to make a few last minute changes to my schedule to make space for a new Spanish class. I originally had planned on taking a course called “Chemical basis of engineering.” When tasked with switching my schedule around, I had few options to choose from (that is, keeping my Fridays free of class!). I opted to switch into a class called “Numerical Methods of Biomedicine,” which, as it sounds, is a biomedical engineering class.
At this point, two weeks in, I think that all of our predispositions about Beijing have been replaced or refined. I once saw a quote by Aldous Huxley that read, "To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” While it may appear to be harsh and condescending, this has always resonated with me because of the truth within those words. Our past experiences, our current knowledge, or our future aspirations all contribute to the differentiation between the ways we all interpret things in our lives. What Mr.
Hey readers!
Oh South America, I feel as if we are the last group of students to depart for our program! I am so incredibly nervous and exited and I really hope I haven’t overlooked or missed any paperwork, or forgotten to sign a sheet. I’m over thinking everything from phone plans to making sure I see every ophthalmologist, dentist and general doctor before departure.