Blog 4: Advice! (Abby Burgett)

 Howdy!

It's hard to believe this highly anticipated trip has come to an end. Getting on the plane earlier today, it felt as if just yesterday I was stepping on the jet bridge in a brand new country surrounded by strangers and a very foreign language. One mistake at a time I started to get my bearings in this new continent. It was easier to take the train in the wrong direction, walk 5 miles to the beach in order to not pay for transportation, or wake up early after going to bed late when I was by myself because I had only myself to blame. However, traveling and adventuring with everyone from this study abroad was truly amazing. Being with y'all when we missed another train after the DB failed us yet again, getting through days with little sleep from the night before, hiking miles of stairs, preparing for our final exam, and sharing many of bathrooms. Having friends to laugh with through these times made them even better, and I am so thankful we were able to rebound through all the uncomfortable situations we endured.

Through this past month and a half I have truly been able to enjoy everyone's unique differences. Whether it was a stranger I meet in a hostel, the waiter from a nice dinner, or even y'all. Although we all came together, from the same school, we obviously are all very different people with different backgrounds. It has been such an eye opening opportunity to form these tight-knit relationships with a group of students I otherwise would have likely not gotten the chance to know. Advice for my previous self: don't let differences scare you away from getting to know someone. So often I feel we quickly judge people based on the way they choose to present themselves to the public. However, through these past weeks I have learned how easy it is to get along with people who come from all different backgrounds, with all different opinions on life, and even speaking all different languages. I have truly found pure joy in getting the opportunity to connect and respect all different kinds of people.  

Landing in the United States this afternoon I was ecstatic, gleaming with tears in my eyes. I have had the desire to travel for a long time, and I had previous thought of myself as someone who could leave home for years at a time. During my wonderful time overseas, I have learned I might not be capable of this, at least not yet. Walking through the New York airport I noticed the police officers, the security agents, and the Starbucks baristas chatting, working, and laughing together. I realized this had become an unfamiliar sight to me over the past weeks. Taking a moment I appreciated the beauty in the loud, overly friendly American culture. Through my many wonderful experiences aboard, I have gained an appreciation for the country I come from and the familiarity of the places I get to call home.   

I have had so many laughs and now have so many stories I get to take home with me from this study abroad trip. I can't wait to see y'all again in College Station!