Leaving
Sad. Sad. Sad. I never really got emotional leaving the states nor did I really feel sad about being away from Wichita. I think it's because I had the reassurance of knowing I would be back to those places and people again. Which is why leaving Chester was more difficult. My friends walked me to the train station and said goodbyes - possibly being the last time I see some of them, or at least the last time I ever see all of them together. As much as I would love to see them again, I'm realistic in knowing that life picks up and goes and an opportunity like this may never pass my way again.
I boarded the train from Chester to Manchester, slept in the airport for a few hours overnight, then left England on June 15 at 6:30am. The countless memories flowed through my head my entire 17 hour trip home (except when I was sleeping). I was graciously received by my family in the airport and Lilli dressed up as Dorthy with a sign that read, "There's No Place Like Home." So what feast do I, the prodigal son, eat on my return? Texas Roadhouse of course.
A Few Differences
Like I said at the beginning of this post, things really picked up after I returned. In England I was use to a much slower pace and a lot less responsibilities but that all changed immediately after I landed in America. My first sign was Americans jogging off of the plane to get around the airport. I've noticed a few subtle differences that I could classify as "reverse culture shock". While in the airport in Chicago I decided to get a Starbucks cappuccino which was $4.50 (don't judge me, I had a gift card). I almost questioned the girl at the counter when she told me my total was $4.98. I forgot that tax isn't included over here like it is in Europe. Another difference I've noticed is my use of cell phone. Even though upon my return I got an iPhone because my contract was up, I don't use my phone like I did before I left. I had a dumb phone in England that might have sent out 100 texts so I've been far less attentive to my phone and texting. Although I must say, having internet on a phone is quite a convenience. Driving wasn't a big deal after not doing it for so long. I have yet to drive on the left side of the road like they do in England so we're all clear there. I miss trains though! Lastly, when I would meet up with people in groups, they might talk about things that happened in the last five months and I would just listen because I wasn't really a part of it. In some respects I felt a little secluded because in five months these friends had stories that I had no impact or part in - and at the same time, my stories had no major part that they were in.
Back in the Swing
Of all the people I was excited to see, meeting one was what I looked forward to most. My new niece and God-daughter Ava brought a smile to my face as I walked to her in the airport upon my arrival. I was able to hold her for the first time at Texas Roadhouse. Children are too cool. I was blessed to see both sets of grandparents within four days of my return as well as dozens of friends since. I started working at the Newman Center at Wichita State as the Student Life Coordinator. Basically I'll be helping plan different events and try to introduce people to the Newman Center and the events that are going on. I started reading Les Miserables before I left England and I'm still trying to work through that beast of a book.
My Next 8 Days
For the next four days I'll be in Los Angeles with a friend from the Newman Center. Three days will be spent at a youth Eucharistic conference and the other day we plan to look around a bit. I will fly out this afternoon! Then 8 days from now I plan to cross off "skydiving" from my bucket list. My brother and I will make the jump on Saturday, July 7 - I'm looking forward to the biggest adrenaline rush of my life!
Looking Back
In my time abroad, I've been challenged and inspired unlike any other time in my life. I attribute a lot of my growth and maturity to that wonderful experience. I'm sure I will continue to find things that will have been impacted by my time abroad and I know that a lot of those finding have a special story to go with them. I'm not really certain what I want to do with my life yet. When I left, I thought I had an idea of what I would do, when I would graduate, and where I would be. But now, I really couldn't tell you. And I'm okay with that. In England I would find myself having great clarity on certain subjects - potentially leading to confusion on others. But I have found peace in knowing that I am beyond blessed in what I have been able to do and accomplish and I look forward to whatever adventures await me in the future. To anyone wondering if they should do study abroad... If you have the means to do it, don't wonder. Do it! Studying abroad has been the must enriching experience in my life thus far and I cannot begin to count the numerous blessings I've received from it.
I would like to conclude with two things: a thank you and a list. Thank you to everyone who helped, encouraged, and supported me along the way. It's because of you that I can make these lists...
Top 5 Things I Learned
1. Don't be afraid to take chances. Even if it goes wrong, you end up with a fun story.
2. Take advantage of opportunities before they pass you up.
3. We are so blessed. Never forget that there are hundreds of millions of people in the world with less than you.
4. Planning is important. Otherwise you won't have a place to sleep on St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland.
5. Give people a chance. They might surprise you once you really talk to them.
Top 5 Materials I Missed in America
1. My bed. Although now I sleep way too long in it.
2. TV. I've come to live without it but I missed watching the news or my fix of Colbert.
3. My wardrobe. Living off of two bags of clothing gets repetitive (but don't forget #3 from the list above).
4. Lawn Mower. England has such green grass and it was taunting me. I missed mowing.
5. Free utilities. Washing and drying were expected expenses that got tiring but paying for restrooms?!
5 Things I've Picked Up (no order because they're so different and hard to categorize)
1. Bob Dylan is now my #1 artist. I didn't see that coming. Sorry MJ.
2. I read now. Or at least I try to find more time for it.
3. I look up world news more. America isn't the only country out there.
4. Appreciation of different professions. Archaeology class isn't as Indiana Jones as I wanted it to be.
5. Changed perspectives. You only know what you surround yourself with - get out a little!
Top 5 Places I Visited
1. Rome, Italy. Churches, Churches, Churches.
2. Highlands, Scotland. So many inside jokes with our group of 8 that went to go with such beautiful scenery.
3. London, England. I spent nearly two weeks in London. A ton to do there and now I'm excited for the Olympics!
4. Paris, France. Paris was made even more amazing with Good Friday and Holy Saturday masses in Notre Dame.
5. Zermatt, Switzerland. Switzerland is expensive but seeing the Matterhorn Mountain and hiking were favorites.
Top 5 Things I Liked About Chester
1. The people are pretty incredible.
2. History. The city was enclosed by Roman walls, has the largest British amphitheater, and a 1000 year old cathedral.
3. Perfect size. Big enough for amenities but small enough that there's not a lot of tourism.
4. St. Werburgh's Church. I just love Fr. Paul.
5. The University (the reason I went on study abroad) wasn't too bad either.
Top 5 Pieces of Advice to Future Study Abroad Students
1. Apply early and push to get through the process.
2. Be open to new things!
3. Know that things will be different wherever you go. Try to realize that they're not weird, they're different.
4. Go with the flow. Watch other people and try not to stick out too much. Although Americans can be easy to spot.
5. Don't wait. This applies to anything. I know I wouldn't have been able to do half the travelling I did if I waited.
I don't guarantee that these are all in the best ranking order. I'm sure over time I will see a couple that exchange places but nonetheless, they made the list!
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