In August, I wrote about who I was. “Was” being the keyword here. I wrote how “detached” I am as a human and I was proud about it almost. Reading it back now, it sounds like there was a girl in August trying desperately to be escape herself. I am proud to say, she’s no longer trying to run away.
I cannot state that I found myself while overseas, because finding yourself is lifelong process. As for identity, I see the world in its true glory now. I visited North Macedonia that had the most breathtaking canyon I have yet to see. I visited Dublin where I meant locals who told me all the places to visit in order to “not be an American tourist”. Amsterdam had me falling in love with stroopwaffles and their friendliness. I view the world as, a garden of flowers if you will. Each country has its own main flower. But within that main flower’s family, there is a variety of different, but similar flowers. And yet, though overseas or speaking a completely different language, there is someone else out there that views life as we do. How fascinating is that, you think you are the only you and you’re not, at all. I don’t mean this in a bad way though. I think there are only advantages to one’s identity. Might sound silly, but who are you to tell another person what they believe and think is wrong? Sure, it might not line up with what you believe, it goes both ways.
I met a girl from the UK who has a similar past to me. I met people from Norway who were just as proud of their country as some Americans are of the US. I met people I did not get along with but grew to understand where they were coming from and also accepted the fact, I didn’t have to like them as friends. But that they are still humans trying to get by in life like myself.
One of the most fascinating aspects of being overseas was learning how the rest of the world thinks. Not just their disliking for America. But that our measuring system makes no sense to them. Our traditions for holidays seems a bit whack to them (Cannot say I blame them). Some viewed the world similarly to me, which was interesting. But others, they knew that the world had more to offer than just their own countries and they were accepting of other traditions, customs, races. Again, I don’t believe that is it our room to discuss whether or not someone’s identity has disadvantages.
Either you are someone who is willing to learn about life outside of your “home”. Or you are someone that is comfortable with their non-wanderlust learning and as I’ve learned, that’s okay too.
To reflect on my first post, I thought I needed an answer for everything. I don’t. I was right about the fact that studying abroad changed me, challenged me, and brought me wonderful friendships (and even an amazing relationship.) Not everything requires a full thought out answer. People overseas; they’re different in that they have a culture to be proud of and traditions that make sense. They did not appear selfish, if anything they were more welcoming than Americans. I was wrong in some aspects as to how the people overseas would be, but I’m glad I was.
I’m glad I went into study abroad with an open-mind. It allowed me to experience everything for its value. I don’t know if I recapped the best on the past 4 months, but I hope this is enough for the next person who goes overseas. I don’t know if I would do it again, but I’m glad I did it.
Last time posting here so I am officially signing off,
take care of yourself overseas and who knows, you might find a future partner or friend.