One of the most memorable – and inexpensive – meals of my life
Loved swimming in this lake after class
The plane just arrived in America, but my mind’s still abroad. Already, things feel a bit disappointing and unwelcoming. As though my European adventures were fictional. As though I’m returning to a slightly worse version of reality: one dimmer and with rain. The customs line of JFK is really the worst way to be welcomed into America. Coughing, sick children and impatient adults: rudeness and obliviousness, self-centeredness. It all feels so foreign. Did I really grow up in this environment? I’m really looking forward to showering and eating what I’ve missed so much: free food provided by my parents. 🙂
My summer abroad has helped me so much to become more independent and resourceful. Budgeting, cooking meals, managing time, commuting to school, being vastly alone for eight weeks: these uncomfortable situations have taught me so much. I feel more settled and comfortable in the world, yet also energized to explore and live more boldly. I want to develop my French and German to fluency. I want to write creatively and explore other artistic mediums. I want to surround myself with artistic personalities. I want to hear more live music and bring a lack of hurriedness to my life in America. And eventually, I want to live in Germany as a clarinetist.
My summer abroad was perhaps the most difficult eight weeks of my life. Yet despite rarely feeling comfortable, Berlin feels like a home to me. The friends I made feel like family and challenge me to see myself anew. I feel confident that I’ll continue to make the harder decisions by choosing the uncomfortable.
