Howdy & Welcome!
Although this trip has been at the center of my thoughts and conversations, I know there may be small challenges along the way. I do not expect to feel homesick for my physical home, but I might miss the cultural familiarity of the United States, the everyday norms and behaviors that I am used to. Stepping into a completely different environment may feel uncomfortable at times, but I believe growth comes from exactly those unfamiliar moments.
I also expect to be labeled. I do not take it personally. Americans do the same with people from other regions. Just like how we playfully associate the British with tea and beans on toast, I expect some generalizations about Americans. It is not ignorance, just unfamiliarity. I hope to leave a positive impression of what an American student can be. I do not fully relate to those labels anyway; much of who I am is shaped by my Mexican background. I am excited to surprise my host family with my cooking and with the little cultural things that might seem ordinary to me but fascinating to them.
To be completely honest, it still has not hit me that I am leaving in just a few days. I think it is because I have been so busy with my internship, MCAT studying, and applications. I feel a little sad that I have been so wrapped up in everything that I have not allowed myself to fully feel the excitement of studying abroad. I hope that feeling of joy and giddiness catches me during my journey.
I hope to learn so much. Nothing in particular, but the act of learning and having those “aha” moments is what I look forward to the most. I know that this program was created to help us grow both professionally and academically, and I am excited to develop as a student. I also hope to get to know all of you and watch each of you learn and grow as well!
Thanks and Gig 'Em,
Jemima Borrego-Garza
Hi Jemima! You will definitely feel uncomfortable at times as you are in an unfamiliar environment, but there is nothing wrong with that at all. I am so proud of you for being willing to step up to learn and grow yourself both culturally and academically. Also, you do not need to feel bad at all about not feeling that travel giddiness yet. For me, the trip seems kind of surreal and not yet real, so I totally understand. You will have the best fun this summer, and it sounds like you have a good host family!
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm so glad your host family sounds so nice and welcoming. I love the idea of growing from unfamiliarity. I hadn't thought about the amount of things that may seem ordinary to my host family, but may fascinate me and vice versa. I had a very similar experience when I talked to new friends in Texas after moving there from Virginia. I can relate to feeling too busy to be excited due to other commitments and you did a great job of putting that feeling into words. I'm so excited to share this trip with you!
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