Ciao Ciao,
As we approach mid-October, I begin to notice a change in the weather. The mornings are much colder and the evenings are much quieter. The trees are beginning to change color and everything is starting to remind me of the seasonal changes back home. Around this time 2 years ago; I had to write a paper for my Bonner Program course about “What minor differences/changes do you notice during your time away from home?” Many people wrote about their newfound independence and their developed appreciation for adult tasks, but I wrote about the absence of seasons. I’m not claiming that there is an absence of seasonal changes at Rollins, but for the most part only spring and summer are present during my time there. In short, I discussed how I was very fond of only having spring and summer, because I was sick of the cold and enjoyed the sunshine. However, now that I am abroad and beginning to experience the transition from one season to another, I have restored my lack of appreciation for the fall and winter months. Honestly, it is kind of weird experiencing fall and winter in another country. Both fall and winter were seasonal changes I commonly associated with home, and now that I’m no longer home it’s a very odd feeling. Despite the fact that I was a little unaccepting at first to both fall and winter abroad, I have developed a minor appreciation for it. Witnessing these seasonal changes in a 1st person has allowed me to realize their importance and how the transition from one season to another not only changes the environment but the people who live in it. As the days grow longer and the nights grow darker I can’t help but to think about my family halfway across the world and how they are experiencing the same changes as me.
Go TARS!!