The Finish Line

Well, we are winding down now and only have two weeks left in the program. I have spent the last two weeks doing intensive language study and tomorrow I take my final test.

 

This whole experience has been more than I can imagine. I have learned a lot, seen a lot and done a lot. I am thankful for every moment, but I don't believe I could be more excited to go home. Perhaps the biggest thing I have learned on this trip is an appreciation for home. Many of the other group members want to stay longer or come back and teach or live here, but I am thankful for America and our opportunities.

 

I have had a great time, but in all honesty I don't believe I will come back for any extended period of time. I have grown a lot as an individual and changed a lot in my plans for the future. I feel closer to my roots and closer to home and I believe that is where my heart is.

 

China has been both wonderful and challenging, I do believe I will miss the cheap prices and dumplings. But, it is safe to say that there is a lot I won't miss. I feel like it isn't okay to talk about the bad when I have been so fortunate to see a part of the world when others don't have that chance. But study abroad isn't a fairy tale, it isn't the kind of adventure that leaves you unchanged. I have a lot of pet peeves now that have either made me more or less patient. I have seen some very disturbing things that I will never unsee. But I believe all of our experiences in life happen for a reason and I am so thankful.

 

My advice for those planning to go abroad is to be prepared to be unprepared. There are things people can't explain and things you may see or experience, both good and bad, that no one can prepare you for. Embrace those moments. Strangely enough, for the majority of this trip I have hardly felt like I was in a foreign country aside from not understanding people completely. And I believe that is because we are all people and no matter how different things seem on paper, we are all very alike in more ways than we are different.

 

April