Final Blog

I have now been back in the USA for a little over two months.  I honestly couldn’t tell you which was harder…leaving for Germany, or returning back to America.  Saying goodbye to my host family was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  Over the course of my time there, I learned to love them as my own.  Many tears on both sides were shed in the airport.

Upon landing in Washington D.C., I was overwhelmed with a sense of belonging.  I was actually caught a little off guard with how friendly Americans were; random people would just smile at me and ask if I needed help finding my destination.  When I finally arrived in my home state of Oklahoma, the thing that completely freaked me out was the accent!  I had not heard an Oklahoman accent for over a year.  As I sat there on the plane listening to all of my fellow Oklahomans talking, I couldn’t stop shaking.  I was so anxious to see my mom, dad, and sister again.  I finally exited the plane and began walking down the ramp.  My family and I spotted each other immediately.  Within seconds the flow of tears had begun and we could not all stop hugging each other.

 The following weeks were actually really rough.  I went through a process called Rush or Recruitment, that places you in a sorority at a university.  Although it was a great experience, the culture shock and strenuousness of it really took a lot out of me.  I slept for almost two days afterwards.  Two weeks later, I began my freshman year at Oklahoma State University.  Since school has started I have been non-stop busy.  I am very grateful for this, because it did not give me a chance to really adjust…I just threw myself back into the life of a typical American college girl.  If I had had idle time, things probably would not have gone as well. 

Most freshman girls in college are away from home for the first time and have a really rough time adjusting.  After spending a year abroad, I feel so much more prepared.  I am loving my classes and doing especially well in German.  My year abroad opened my eyes to so much.  I have learned to be self-reliant, tenacious, and confident. 

Although I have met lots of wonderful people, it is hard to really relate to girls my age.  I just experienced this life-changing year, and no one can really understand, regardless of how sweet and interested they are.  It is by no means their fault, its just difficult when you realize no one is ever going to understand what this year meant to you unless they have done something similar themselves.

Though I am glad to be back home, I am already planning my next adventure abroad.  Last year was the most eye- opening experience of my life, and I can not wait to get out there again!

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