I used many adjectives to describe my identity in the study abroad application. A few of them being; brother, American, student, and Christian. Those words help create a framework for who I identify as but they do not completely define who I am. My individual identity allows me to experience the world as a free,…
Category: New Zealand: TEAN at Otago
Arrival in New Zealand
It’s funny noticing the similarities and differences between New Zealand and home. I never felt like I grew up with a strong focus on culture and tradition, but after being in a foreign country, it became clear that all the little things we do form a culture. I immediately stand out as American because of…
One more night!
Well… the day has arrived! I can’t believe tomorrow begins the start of an unforgettable journey! I can feel a bit of butterflies in my stomach as I’m here writing and thinking about this crazy adventure ahead. It’s not like I decided to travel or study abroad in South America, or even Europe first, nope-…
Pre-Departure: New Zealand
I have yet to accept that tomorrow I will be on a plane to New Zealand. It doesn’t feel real to me – I don’t think it will feel real until I’m actually walking the streets of Queenstown. I guess I’m a little nervous about living in a foreign country surrounded by strangers, but I…
Pr-Departure: Thoughts on Identity
Let’s face it: diversity makes the world go round. It is a driving force of both tradition and change; without it, society would be boring and it wouldn’t be able to move forward. When diversity is boiled down to one core construct, I think it would be identity. A person’s identity is built out of…
Home Sweet Home
I’ve been home for a couple weeks now and it feels great to be back. Luckily I never had to deal with jet lag (I think it was because I was so excited to see my friends and family). I have found it to be weird for me to adjust to all of this free…
Home sweet home
It’s been a week since I got back to the States. I can’t believe that a week ago I was living a different life half way across the globe! It’s bittersweet to be back. On one hand I missed my dog and family so much, on the other I already miss the place that quickly…
Can’t Believe It
I’m currently in denial that I have to hop a plane in a few hours to go back home to the States. This has been the greatest 5 months of my life, and it’s hard to believe that it flew by so fast. Also can’t believe that this is going to be my last blog…
2 DAYS TILL I LEAVE TO GO HOME!
I write this with a lot of mixed emotions. I just finished my last final of my study abroad experience. A lot of my friends have been done for a while now, but I had my hardest final to date today. Don’t get me wrong – I am elated to be done with class, and…
My Final Goodbyes
This is it. I have ONE day left in New Zealand. ONE. That just blows my mind that my incredible journey has come to an end. This place has taught me so much, mostly about myself more than anything else since I didn’t like my classes all that much. However, I never would have been…