A Final Reflection

Well, I've been home from England for a week and a half. It seriously feels like I've been home for ages though. Its so easy to just slip back into routine, and my family has been so welcoming it feels like I never left home sometimes. But, I did leave home for three solid months and I often like to take the time to think about my time in England. First of all, I know that I've changed because of it. I should have never expected to study abroad and come home as the same exact person. The things I've seen and tried and learned will always be with me, and have affected how I see myself and my world. In England, I set goals for myself through the classes I took. In one course, "English Literature at Work," I became so much more aware of what I need to do to get what I want with my degree; this is something that has troubled me for ages. I developed a deeper understanding of the cultural differences of England to the US, but also a deeper cultural understanding in general, I believe. I developed a taste for travel; I want to see the world and meet people of even more different cultures. I developed an awareness of independence, critical reflection, and global outreach. I think I could say I got pretty much everything I hoped for with my study abroad experience. Of course there are a few things I still wish I had done or said, but I don't ever regret the choice to travel there. I sincerely hope that all the things I didn't accomplish but wanted to, are still in my future. I have a feeling I haven't said goodbye to England forever. 

Since I've been home, I've been enjoying my family's company, re-associating myself with Michigan weather, and slowly taking steps to making new goals and new dreams, just in time for the new year.  I am both scared and excited for the new year. I know CMU is going to seem a lot different after Kingston University, but all my old routines will easily engulf me if I let them. After choosing to study abroad in England not knowing anyone before I made the trip, it intrigued my sense of adventure and I definitely don't want to go back to routine. I have a small tip for anyone who is considering studying abroad -  Go. It is a wonderful experience. But, don't expect to be the same when you come home. Studying abroad is, at least it was for me, a growing experience.